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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Nara?

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 Nara. 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 historic, modern, and welcoming 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nara

Nara is a cultural, traditional, and tranquil city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Nara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Nara. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nara attracts visitors for its historical sights and hiking. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Nara and is popular 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. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kuala Lumpur are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Many visitors head to Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nara Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Nara.

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.

Nara is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Nara is a good destination for visiting its old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Nara?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Kuala Lumpur make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nara Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Nara 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.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nara Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Nara 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 Nara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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

Kuala Lumpur is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nara Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for students. However, Nara is not popular with students.

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

Nara is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Kuala Lumpur has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere 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.

Nara offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Nara a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Nara are superb 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.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nara or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kuala Lumpur or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kuala Lumpur than Nara because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 1-2 days is enough time in Nara.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nara, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this tranquil city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Nara?

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nara is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Nara?

Kuala Lumpur is a modern big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the natural destination of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nara?

The modern city of Kuala Lumpur offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Nara is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Nara, we can see that Nara is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Nara?

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

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Nara. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Nara. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets less rain in July than Nara. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nara during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Nara. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Kuala Lumpur during the winter 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, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nara can be very cold during winter. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Nara. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Nara. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Nara. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nara and Kuala Lumpur