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

Should you visit Granada or Munich?

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

Should I visit Granada or Munich? 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.

Granada

Granada is a charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Munich

Munich is a economically thriving, bustling, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Munich?

You'll generally find more things to do in Munich than Granada. Munich is bigger than Granada, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Munich is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Granada is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Munich is well known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Also, Munich is famous for The Nymphenburg Palace.

How is Granada different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada 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 Granada on the map. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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

Munich is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Munich just to party. 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.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Granada or Munich Better for Music?

Munich is a world-class destination for live music. However, Granada is not a live music destination.

Munich is known as a music capital 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.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Granada or Munich Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Munich Better for Hiking?

Granada is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Munich is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Munich?

Munich is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Munich. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Munich Better for Families?

Munich is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Munich is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Munich Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Munich make for a very good place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Munich. 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.

Granada is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Is Granada or Munich Better for Students?

Munich is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent 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.

Granada is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

Munich is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Munich can get you around easily. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Munich a more walkable city?

Granada and Munich are very good when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Munich is a very walkable city. 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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Munich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Munich or Granada?

How long in Granada or Munich?

In either Granada or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Munich than Granada because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 2-5 days is enough time in Munich.

Families should spend more time in Munich than Granada. 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 Granada. 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 Granada 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 Granada or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Granada. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Granada or Munich?

Granada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Granada or Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Granada or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Granada. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Munich, we can see that Munich is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Granada.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Granada is generally a little warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Munich. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Munich. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Munich. Many visitors come to Granada in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Granada is much warmer than Munich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Munich during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives more rain than Munich. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Munich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Granada as well as Munich. Most visitors come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Munich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Munich can be very cold. In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Munich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Munich averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Munich. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Munich. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Granada because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Munich during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Munich. Granada 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 Granada