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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or London?

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 London. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Kuala Lumpur and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or London?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Kuala Lumpur. London is bigger than Kuala Lumpur, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and christmas markets, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its food. London is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. 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.

Big Ben

How is Kuala Lumpur different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or London.

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 London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Is Kuala Lumpur or London Better for Theater?

London is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Kuala Lumpur is not a theatre destination.

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, London is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kuala Lumpur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Kuala Lumpur or London Better for Nightlife?

London 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 London just to party. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London Better for Music?

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

London is known as a music capital around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or London?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Kuala Lumpur and London.

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 London make it a world-class shopping destination. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Is Kuala Lumpur or London Better for Christmas?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Kuala Lumpur does not offer Christmas activities.

London offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Kuala Lumpur does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Kuala Lumpur or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a world-class destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Kuala Lumpur does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to London specifically for the Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Kuala Lumpur does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Kuala Lumpur or London Better for Families?

London 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, London is very family-friendly. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London Better for Couples?

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

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and London are first-rate 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.

Many students frequent London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and London.

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 London can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or London a more walkable city?

London 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 London. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in London or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or London?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kuala Lumpur or London?

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

In London, many people enjoy the live music and food that this iconic 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 London?

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.

London is a fun place to experience. 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 London?

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 London, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse big city offers. 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 London?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse 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.

London 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 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or London?

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

London 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 London in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and London. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as London during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than London. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or London in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as London. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than London. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than London. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or London in the Winter?

Both London and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in London can be very cold. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than London. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or London in the Spring?

Both London and Kuala Lumpur during the spring 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 activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than London. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than London. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for London and Kuala Lumpur