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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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 historic, modern, and welcoming 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Bordeaux. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bordeaux attracts visitors for its historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kuala Lumpur are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Bordeaux both to be amazing 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.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Kuala Lumpur know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Kuala Lumpur make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Bordeaux both superb 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.

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for students. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Bordeaux are superb 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

In either Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kuala Lumpur has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Bordeaux. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Bordeaux. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kuala Lumpur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Bordeaux 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this elegant 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 Bordeaux?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bordeaux 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this charming destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Bordeaux is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Bordeaux, 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 Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Kuala Lumpur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Bordeaux. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Bordeaux. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Bordeaux. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Bordeaux. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Kuala Lumpur