A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Munich for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Edinburgh or Munich?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Munich can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a gothic, ancient, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Edinburgh attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include theater, nightlife, and live music. See Edinburgh travel costs.

Munich

Munich is a economically thriving, bustling, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Munich travel costs.

Edinburgh and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Munich?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Munich. While Munich is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Munich is known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Edinburgh is more touristy than Munich and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Munich is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles.

How is Edinburgh different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Edinburgh on the map. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Is Edinburgh or Munich Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Munich is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Munich is not a theatre destination.

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

Munich is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Munich has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Is Edinburgh or Munich Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Edinburgh and Munich.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

In Munich you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Is Edinburgh or Munich Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Edinburgh can be explored in its historical center. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Munich?

Munich is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Munich draws large crowds to its stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Is Edinburgh or Munich More Beautiful?

Edinburgh is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Munich is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Edinburgh attracts visitors from all around. It has a long history and a lot of architectural beauty. The weather may be the most challenging part of a visit to Edinburgh.

Munich is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Edinburgh or Munich Better for Families?

Both Edinburgh and Munich are high quality to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Munich is known to be 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 Edinburgh or Munich Better for Couples?

Both Edinburgh and Munich are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Edinburgh or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh and Munich are both first-rate destinations for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Edinburgh is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Munich is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Munich Better for Students?

Munich is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Munich is a very popular city for students. 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.

Many students visit Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

Munich is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Munich a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Edinburgh on foot is easy. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Munich or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Munich?

In either Edinburgh or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

People visit Munich because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Munich?

Edinburgh 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.

People visit Munich because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Munich because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Edinburgh or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the character-filled destination of Edinburgh. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Munich is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh or Munich?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Munich because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Edinburgh is cooler than Munich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Edinburgh in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Munich averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Munich. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in July than Munich. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Munich. The autumn months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

In October, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Munich. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 10°C (49°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Munich during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Munich. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Munich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Munich. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Munich. It's quite cold in Edinburgh in the winter. Edinburgh is much warmer than Munich in the winter. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets more sunshine than Munich. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Munich. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Edinburgh is much colder than Munich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Edinburgh in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Munich during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Munich. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Munich and Edinburgh