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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Manchester?

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 Manchester. 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 colorful, historic, and modern 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Manchester?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Manchester, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Manchester is known for its music. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Manchester 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 home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Manchester.

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.

Manchester is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is a very popular place for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Manchester while you're in town. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Manchester?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Manchester Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Manchester are high quality 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.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Manchester Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Manchester both high quality 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 Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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

Kuala Lumpur is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Manchester Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Kuala Lumpur has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Manchester a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Kuala Lumpur or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Manchester. 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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 Manchester?

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.

Manchester 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 Manchester?

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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the dynamic big city of Manchester. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Manchester?

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.

Manchester 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Manchester?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

Manchester 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 Manchester in the Summer?

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

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Manchester in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 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 Manchester. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Manchester in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Manchester. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Manchester averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Manchester. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Manchester in the Winter?

Both Manchester 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 Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Manchester can be very cold. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Manchester. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Manchester in the Spring?

Both Manchester 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. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Manchester in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 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 Manchester. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Kuala Lumpur