A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ubud vs. Queenstown for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ubud or Queenstown?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Queenstown. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ubud

Ubud is a cultural, breathtaking, and popular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Ubud travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a nature-oriented, spirited, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Queenstown travel costs.

Ubud and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ubud or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Queenstown than Ubud, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Queenstown is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ubud is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and small town charm. Ubud is more touristy than Queenstown and is known for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Queenstown is well known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Also, Queenstown is famous for Kawarau Bridge.

How is Ubud different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Ubud. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Ubud is not a skiing destination.

Queenstown is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Ubud is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ubud or Queenstown?

Ubud is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ubud. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

Is the Food Better in Ubud or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ubud and Queenstown both to be terrific destinations.

Eat your way through Ubud, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Queenstown is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Queenstown know how to have a good time. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

If you're looking for night time activities Ubud has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Resorts?

Ubud is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Queenstown is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Ubud for its luxury resorts. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Queenstown is not a resort destination.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Queenstown is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Many visitors go to Ubud for the hiking trails. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Ubud or Queenstown?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Queenstown and Ubud.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Ubud or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Families?

Queenstown is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Queenstown is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Ubud and Queenstown both terrific destinations for a couple.

Ubud is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

Queenstown makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Queenstown is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Ubud is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is a great destination for students. However, Ubud is not popular with students.

Many students visit Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Ubud is not popular with students.

Is Ubud or Queenstown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Queenstown is a good destination for its public transit. However, Ubud is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Queenstown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Ubud or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Ubud and Queenstown both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ubud Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Ubud?

How long in Ubud or Queenstown?

Both Ubud and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Queenstown has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Queenstown than Ubud. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Ubud, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

Families should spend more time in Queenstown than Ubud. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Queenstown, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Queenstown than Ubud. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Queenstown that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown than Ubud if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Queenstown.

One day in Ubud or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the famous town of Ubud, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Queenstown. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Ubud or Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ubud, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Queenstown is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Ubud or Queenstown?

Ubud, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the spirited destination of Queenstown. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Ubud or Queenstown?

Ubud is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the nature-oriented city of Queenstown. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ubud and Queenstown, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ubud is in Asia and Queenstown is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud than you might in Queenstown.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ubud Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ubud or Queenstown?

Ubud has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Queenstown, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.