A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Berlin for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Berlin?

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 Kuala Lumpur and Berlin. 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a friendly, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a eclectic, diverse, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Spend time exploring the signts and museum in either Kuala Lumpur or Berlin.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

The museums and tourist attractions in Berlin are world-renowned. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island.


Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Food?

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Berlin both to be unique destinations.

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Nightlife?

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Berlin.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

The nightlife in Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Berlin.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Known for shopping, Berlin draws large crowds to its stores. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Berlin are family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Berlin is very family-friendly. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.


Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Berlin both fun destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Berlin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Berlin are both good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Berlin are popular destinations for students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Berlin is a great destination for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Berlin.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Visitors in Berlin can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.


Is Kuala Lumpur or Berlin a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Berlin are similar when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Berlin is a very walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

Kuala Lumpur and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Kuala Lumpur
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Berlin
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Should I spend more time in Berlin or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Berlin?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than Kuala Lumpur.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Kuala Lumpur is 1-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Berlin is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Kuala Lumpur or Berlin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kuala Lumpur 1-5 
    Berlin 2-7

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Berlin?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to spend here.

In Berlin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this artsy city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Berlin?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Berlin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Berlin?

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

In Berlin, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this artsy big city offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A week in Kuala Lumpur or Berlin?

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

Berlin is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

Which city is cheaper, Berlin or Kuala Lumpur?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $49, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $115. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kuala Lumpur and Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $30
    Berlin $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $60
    Berlin $108

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $5.17
    Berlin $15
Typical Local Transportation prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.41
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.73
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.41
  • Taxi From Airport
    $20
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.82
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hired And Drive - Transfer: $730
  • KLIA Group Perway Private Transfer with VIP Meet and Greet: $375
  • Private Land Transfer from KL Hotels and KLIA to Taman Negara: $361
  • Private Transfer to Singapore with sightseeing in Putra Mosque and Malacca: $353
  • Land Transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Redang Island (Merang Jetty): $348
  • Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Car]: $335
  • Kuala Lumpur To Singapore Transfer: $309
  • Kuala Lumpur City Hotel to Penang Island (One Way Private Transfer): $290
  • Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [Car]: $289
  • KUL Hotel to Singapore(One Way Transfer): $270
  • Cameron Highlands One Way Transfer: $259
  • Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $259

Typical Local Transportation prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    $1.47
  • Bahn Ticket
    $3.16
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VIP transfer from Berlin to Warsaw - Mercedes E-Class with private driver: $703
  • VIP transfer from Berlin to Munich - Mercedes E-Class with private driver: $1,359
  • Transfer from Berlin to Munich: Private sightseeing daytrip with 2 stops: $355
  • Transfer from Berlin Tegel Airport to Berlin city (any hotel or address): $32
  • Transfer from Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin city Hotels - ROUND TRIP: $63
  • Transfer from Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) to Berlin city Hotels - ROUND TRIP: $83
  • Transfer by Private Vehicle from Hotel in Berlin to Schoenefeld Airport: $125
  • Transfer Berlin-Prague or Prague-Berlin, with optional 2 hours visit to Dresden: $740
  • Round Trip Tegel Airport (TXL) Transfer to Berlin City Center: $48
  • Round Trip Schönefeld Airport (SXF) Transfer to Berlin City Center: $71
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with stops at Potsdam + Sanssouci Palace: $266
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $266

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin and Kuala Lumpur 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
    Kuala Lumpur $10
    Berlin $44
Typical Food prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $9.09
  • Roti Bread
    $0.23
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.27
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $4.88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Amazing Local Food Tour in Kuala Lumpur: $29
  • Discover the Best Local Food Tour by Night in Kuala Lumpur: $39
  • Malaysian Ramadhan Buffet Dinner Cultural Show - nearby KLCC: $40
  • Small group epic food tour! Immerse yourself in the local culture too!: $44
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur: $45
  • Market Visit & Garden-to-Table Cooking Class: $47
  • Yummy Yummy Street Food Tour - Kuala Lumpur By Night (Guided With Transport): $53
  • Old Markets & Beyond: Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $55
  • Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $59
  • Chef-Designed Small-Group Food Tour: $60
  • Withlocals The 10 Tastings: Kuala Lumpur Private Street Food Tour: $61

Typical Food prices in Berlin

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


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    $5.26
  • Turkish Sandwich
    $2.10
  • Currywurst
    $2.10
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    $9.47
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    $63
  • Mauer Park (2)
    $12
  • Coffees at Impala
    $8.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • English Comedy Ticket including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $16
  • English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $25
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Berlin: $40
  • Dinner Cruise – “This is the CHEF talking”: $49
  • Berlin Kreuzberg - Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Mitte - Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Food Tour: $55
  • Withlocals 10 Tastings: Covid-19 Regulated Private Food Tour: $57
  • Berlin Dinner Cruise.: $61
  • History Bites: The Berlin History and Food Tour: $61
  • Fun Dinner and Dancing by Gaiety in Berlin: $84
  • Vegan Food Tour Experience in Berlin: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $12
    Berlin $19
Typical Entertainment prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $10
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.14

Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Port Weld"+ Orang Utan Island + Eagle Feeding + Charcoal Factory (Private Tour): $234
  • "Waterfall In The Rainforest" Templer Park, Batu Caves & Natural Hotspring Tour: $46
  • (Base On Per Vehicle Price) KL Private City Tour: $123
  • 11 Hours Nostalgic Urban Car Tour to Sekinchan from Kuala Lumpur: $195
  • 11 Hours Nostalgic Urban Van Tour to Sekinchan from Kuala Lumpur: $56
  • 11 Top Attractions: Guided Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $45
  • 11 Top Attractions: Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $21
  • 12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Full Day & Night Van Tour: $65
  • 12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Ultimate Full Day & Night Car Tour: $193
  • 13 Attractions Half-Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour - SIC: $10
  • 13 Attractions Half-day Kuala Lumpur City Tour - Sic: $10
  • 13 Attractions: Kuala Lumpur Half-Day City Tour: $23

Typical Entertainment prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    $21

Tours and Activities in Berlin

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

  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $47
  • 2 Hour Berlin Small Group Segway Tour: $65
  • 2 Hours Private Custom Berlin Tour With A Local Guide: $70
  • 2 hour 15 min Berlin Wall Self Drive Trabant Tour: $106
  • 2-Hour Island Landscapes Boattour from Berlin: $20
  • 2-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $66
  • 2.5-Hour Berlin Center Boat Cruise on the River Spree: $31
  • 2.5-Hour Berlin City Tour of Famous Attractions by Minibus: $51
  • 2.5-Hour Berlin Wall and Memorial Sites Walking Tour: $23
  • 2h Berlin Discovery Tour in an Vintage Volkswagen Beetle: $81
  • 3 Hours Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $93
  • 3 hours Berlin 100% Personalized City Tour: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $5.38
    Berlin $14
Typical Alcohol prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $10

Typical Alcohol prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Berlin Pub Crawl And Night Life Tour: $15
  • Guided Pub Crawl with Shots: $20
  • Berlin Nightlife: The Original Pub Crawl: $20
  • #1 Berlin Pub Crawl: $25
  • Sean's Wine Tasting Events: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque by Gl’Amouresque: $66
  • Welcome to Berlin tour! Sightseeing, souvenirs and visit of a German brewery: $236

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Berlin, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Berlin is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

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Kuala Lumpur vs. Berlin Travel Comparison

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