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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon?

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 Lisbon. 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 modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Lisbon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Lisbon is well known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Lisbon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon.

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, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Lisbon 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, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon just to party. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is known as a music capital around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lisbon is revered around the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon?

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

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 Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Lisbon are superb 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.

Lisbon is a very kid-friendly city. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Lisbon 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 Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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

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

Many backpackers frequent Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Lisbon is very popular with students. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Lisbon.

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 Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon a more walkable city?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lisbon or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Lisbon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Lisbon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Lisbon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant 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 Lisbon?

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.

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon?

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 Lisbon, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this picturesque big city 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 Lisbon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

Lisbon is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Lisbon, 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 Lisbon?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon in the Summer?

Both Lisbon 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, many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon 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, many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Lisbon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Lisbon. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Lisbon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Lisbon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Lisbon during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Lisbon. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Lisbon. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Kuala Lumpur