A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bregenz vs. Munich for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Bregenz or Munich?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bregenz and Munich can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a medieval, vibrant, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Munich

Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bregenz and Munich: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Bregenz or Munich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich. Although Bregenz and Munich are popular destinations, Munich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Munich is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bregenz attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Munich is more touristy than Bregenz and is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also well known for The Nymphenburg Palace. Bregenz is famous for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals.

How is Bregenz different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bregenz or Munich?

Bregenz
Munich

Munich is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Munich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Bregenz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.


Is the Food Better in Bregenz or Munich? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bregenz
Munich

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bregenz and Munich.

Bregenz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Munich makes for a great culinary experience. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Bregenz or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Bregenz
Munich

Munich is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Munich is a must-see party destination. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Bregenz or Munich Better for Music?

Bregenz
Munich

Munich is terrific for its music scene. However, Bregenz is not a live music destination.

Munich has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Bregenz is not a live music destination.


Is Bregenz or Munich Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz
Munich

Bregenz is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

Bregenz offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bregenz or Munich?

Bregenz
Munich

Munich is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Munich specifically to go shopping. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Bregenz or Munich Better for Families?

Bregenz
Munich

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Bregenz or Munich.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bregenz. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

Munich is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.


Is Bregenz or Munich Better for Couples?

Bregenz
Munich

Both Bregenz and Munich are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Bregenz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Is Bregenz or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bregenz
Munich

Munich is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Munich, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Bregenz or Munich Better for Students?

Bregenz
Munich

Munich is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Bregenz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

Bregenz is not popular with students.


Is Bregenz or Munich Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bregenz
Munich

Munich is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Munich can take you anywhere. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Bregenz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines that run around town.

Is Bregenz or Munich a more walkable city?

Bregenz
Munich

Munich is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bregenz Worth Visiting? and Is Munich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Munich or Bregenz?

How long in Bregenz or Munich?

In either Bregenz or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Munich than Bregenz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bregenz, and 2-5 days is enough time in Munich.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich than Bregenz 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 Munich.


  • How many days in Bregenz or Munich? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bregenz 1-3 
    Munich 2-5

One day in Bregenz or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bregenz. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Munich is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Bregenz or Munich?

Bregenz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Munich 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 Munich has to offer.

Five days in Bregenz or Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bregenz. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Munich 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 Munich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bregenz or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bregenz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Music Tours in Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Austria, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Munich or Bregenz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bregenz is €122, while the average daily cost in Munich is €148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bregenz and Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bregenz 66
    Munich 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bregenz 132
    Munich 178
Compare Hotels in Bregenz and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Bregenz or Munich? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bregenz


Hotels in Munich


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bregenz Hotel Prices and Munich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bregenz 17
    Munich 19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    2.30
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    5.20
  • City transport day ticket
    11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Private transfer from Munich to Vienna: $930
  • Private transfer from Munich to Prague: $706
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to Munich airport: $292
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 3h on Eagle's Nest: $284
  • Private Car from Munich to Prague: Transfer with 2h Sightseeing: $284
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing with Local Driver: $279
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 4h of Sightseeing: $272
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Munich to Nuremberg with 4h of Sightseeing: $268
  • Salzburg to Munich Transfer: $267
  • Transfer Munich to Kaprun,Zell am See,Flachau,Stubai,Kitzbuhel,Innsbruck & Other: $259
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 2 hours for sightseeing: $257
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Passau, 2 Hour Stop in Dachau: $257

Is it cheaper to fly into Bregenz or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich and Bregenz change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bregenz 41
    Munich 27
Typical Food Prices in Bregenz

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bregenz:


  • Lunch from Market (for 2)
    6.62
  • Kebabs for Dinner (for 2)
    8.00
  • Chocolate
    1.70

Typical Food Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    5.00
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    1.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $46
  • Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
  • Food Tour Beer- 3 small beers & "Brotzeit" in GERMAN: $79
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $99
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $136
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $209
  • Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $229
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
  • Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bregenz 14
    Munich 29

Tours and Activities in Bregenz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bregenz.

  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Surprise tour of Bregenz guided by a Local: $149
  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $289
  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $294
  • Magical Christmas Walking Tour: $769

Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    4.00
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    9.00
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    14
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    24

Tours and Activities in Munich

Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Hours VIP Private Segway Tour: $91
  • 2-hour Private Walking Tour in Munich: $214
  • 2-hour city tour by bike in Munich to the hotspots of the Isar metropolis: $35
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $210
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $211
  • A Tour inside Munich's Justizpalast: $24
  • Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $202
  • Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $207
  • Andechs Monastery Beer Hike Food Experience Private Tour (departs Munich): $208
  • Art & Heritage: Private Walking Tour of Bavarian National Museum: $202
  • Art & Heritage: Walking Tour of Bavarian National Museum: $395
  • Bad Tölz Private Guided Walking Tour: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bregenz 18
    Munich 37

Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    12

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $28
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $37
  • Max & Moritz: Interactive Wine Tasting Experience: $37
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $95
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $288
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bregenz or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Bregenz. When comparing the sizes of Bregenz and Munich, 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.