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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a happy, welcoming, and relaxed city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Copenhagen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Copenhagen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Copenhagen attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known 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. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Copenhagen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur are world-renowned. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Copenhagen both to be fantastic 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, Copenhagen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Copenhagen just to party. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen?

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

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.

The abundance of shops in Copenhagen make it a world-class shopping destination. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen Better for Families?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Kuala Lumpur and Copenhagen are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Copenhagen is a great city to visit for backpackers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Many students visit Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Copenhagen.

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 Copenhagen can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Copenhagen or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen?

When visiting Kuala Lumpur, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, one day is sufficent for most.

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Copenhagen?

When visiting Kuala Lumpur, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Copenhagen?

Kuala Lumpur, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this laid-back destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Copenhagen is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Copenhagen. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen in the Summer?

Both Copenhagen and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

Both Copenhagen and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Copenhagen. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Copenhagen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Copenhagen in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Copenhagen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Copenhagen. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Copenhagen. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Kuala Lumpur