A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Kuala Lumpur for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Kuala Lumpur? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a cultural, vibrant, and high energy vacation spot. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Antalya than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Antalya, Antalya has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Antalya is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Also, Antalya is famous for Hadrian's Gate. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.

How is Antalya different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Many visitors head to Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Kuala Lumpur.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Resorts?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Beaches?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Antalya and Kuala Lumpur.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Kuala Lumpur is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Kuala Lumpur.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly place to visit. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Kuala Lumpur make for a superb place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Kuala Lumpur are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Kuala Lumpur is top-notch. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Is Antalya or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable destination. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Antalya or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Antalya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Antalya than Kuala Lumpur. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

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

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

One day in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the live music and food that this vibrant vacation spot offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

Antalya is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

Antalya is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antalya is in Europe and Kuala Lumpur is in Asia, 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 Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Kuala Lumpur, 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.

When is the best time to visit Antalya or Kuala Lumpur?

Antalya has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Antalya is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

In October, Antalya is generally cooler than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Kuala Lumpur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Antalya is much colder than Kuala Lumpur in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Antalya usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kuala Lumpur. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Kuala Lumpur. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

In the spring, Antalya is much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Antalya usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Antalya