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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Munich?

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 Munich. 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 diverse, colorful, and historic 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Munich

Munich is a economically thriving, bustling, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Munich?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Munich than Kuala Lumpur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Munich is better known for its nightlife and music, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. 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. Munich is well known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Also, Munich is famous for The Nymphenburg Palace.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kuala Lumpur on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich 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 Munich just to party. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich Better for Music?

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

Munich is known as a music capital around the world. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Munich?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Munich.

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 Munich make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Munich Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Munich are great 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.

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Munich Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Munich both great 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 Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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

Munich 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 Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Munich are world-class 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 Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Munich.

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 Munich can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Munich a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Munich are great 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.

Munich is a very walkable city. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Munich or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Munich?

In either Kuala Lumpur or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Munich has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Munich 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 Munich.

Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Munich. 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.

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

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Munich?

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

In Munich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this multicultural 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 Munich?

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.

Munich 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 Munich?

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 Munich, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this high energy 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 Munich?

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.

Munich 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Munich?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Munich. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Munich, 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 Munich?

Munich 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 Munich in the Summer?

Both Munich 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. Also, most visitors come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Munich, 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 Munich. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 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 Munich. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Munich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Munich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Munich because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Munich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Munich during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 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 Munich. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Munich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Munich. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

It's quite cold in Munich in the winter. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Munich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Munich averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Munich. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Munich. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Munich in the Spring?

Both Munich 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, many travelers come to Munich for the activities around the city.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Munich during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Munich. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Munich and Kuala Lumpur