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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Heraklion and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Munich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich than Heraklion, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Munich is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Heraklion is known for its beaches. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Munich is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace.

How is Heraklion different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Munich.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Munich both to be high quality destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Dining out in Munich is an experience not to be missed. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Heraklion or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Is Heraklion or Munich Better for Music?

Munich is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Heraklion is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Munich. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Heraklion is not a live music destination.

Is Heraklion or Munich Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beach. However, Munich is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Heraklion. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Munich?

Munich is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion 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.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Munich Better for Families?

Munich is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Munich is very family-friendly. 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 Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Munich Better for Couples?

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

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Munich is extremely popular 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.

Heraklion is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Is Heraklion or Munich Better for Students?

Munich is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

Is Heraklion 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, Heraklion 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 Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Munich a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Munich are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Munich or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Munich?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Heraklion or Munich?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

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 Heraklion or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Heraklion. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Munich, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, 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, Heraklion is a little warmer than Munich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Munich averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Munich. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Munich. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Munich. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Munich during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Munich. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Munich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Munich. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion 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. Heraklion is much warmer than Munich in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Munich. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Munich. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Munich in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Munich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Munich during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Munich. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Munich and Heraklion