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

Should you visit Kaunas or Munich?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kaunas and Munich. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a cultural, active, and young city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and food.

Munich

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Kaunas and Munich: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • 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 Kaunas or Munich?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Munich than Kaunas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Munich is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kaunas attracts visitors for its historical sights. Munich is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also well known for The Nymphenburg Palace. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is notable for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Kaunas or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Munich is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Munich Better for Music?

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is renowned for its music scene. However, Kaunas is not a live music destination.

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.

Kaunas is not a live music destination.


Is Kaunas or Munich Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas
Munich

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

Kaunas offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Munich?

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Munich is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Munich Better for Families?

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.


Is Kaunas or Munich Better for Couples?

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is renowned for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Munich Better for Students?

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is renowned for students. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Munich is a very popular place to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.


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

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Munich has a great public transit system. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Is Kaunas or Munich a more walkable city?

Kaunas
Munich

Munich is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Munich or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Munich?

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

Families should spend more time in Munich than Kaunas. 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 Kaunas. 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Munich? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kaunas 1-2 
    Munich 2-5

One day in Kaunas or Munich?

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

Munich is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Kaunas or Munich?

Kaunas 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.

Munich 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.

Five days in Kaunas or Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. 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.

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

A week in Kaunas or Munich?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Kaunas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling big city of Munich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Munich or Kaunas?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kaunas is €95, 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 Kaunas and Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 44
    Munich 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 88
    Munich 178
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas 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 Kaunas


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices and Munich Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • Departure Private Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by Minivan: $56
  • Private Kaunas Airport to City Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN by car: $46

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:

  • Airport Transfer by Bus: $12
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Munich Airport to Munich Central Station: $14
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Arrival Transfer from Munich Train Station to Munich by Sedan: $60
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Van: $65
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Arrival Transfer: $71
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich City - Munich Airport (MUC): $74
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Munich Airport (MUC)- Munich City: $74
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Car: $74
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Arber Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Private Departure Transfer from Munich to Munich Airport by Sedan: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 37
    Munich 27

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.
    Kaunas 19
    Munich 29

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kaunas are as follows:

  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $55
  • Recreational Tour in Kaunas - The City of Freedom: $64
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $76
  • Kaunas Private Walking Tour: $84
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $86
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $86
  • Kaunas city center tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $109
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $144
  • Kaunas Tour: Love Stories: $170
  • Kaunas Old Town: 2-Hour Ghost Tour: $170
  • Kayak Tour in Nemunas: $185
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour: $191

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:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Munich Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Victuals Market Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.74
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Guided tour through the Sudeten German Museum: $5.35
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.35
  • From Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $5.35
  • Munich through the Centuries: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-guided Walking Tour to River Isar Landmarks: $6.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • Interactive City Tour on Your Smartphone: $7.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 16
    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 Kaunas and Munich, we can see that Munich is more expensive. And not only is Kaunas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kaunas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kaunas 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 Kaunas.

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


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Munich?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kaunas or Munich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Munich. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kaunas is cooler than Munich in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Munich this time of the year. In Kaunas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Munich during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kaunas usually receives around the same amount of rain as Munich. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kaunas 18°C (64°F) 
    Munich 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Munich. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Munich because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Kaunas is cooler than Munich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Munich. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Munich. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kaunas 8°C (46°F) 
    Munich 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Munich in the Winter?

Both Munich and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

It's quite cold in Munich in the winter. The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Munich. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Munich during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Munich. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Munich -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich and Kaunas during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Munich for the activities around the city.

Kaunas is much colder than Munich in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Munich. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Munich. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Munich 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Munich and Kaunas

Kaunas Munich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)