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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Paris?

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 Paris. 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.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic 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 shopping, museums, and theater.

Kuala Lumpur and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Kuala Lumpur, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Paris Better for Theater?

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

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Kuala Lumpur is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Paris 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, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris 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 Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

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

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Paris?

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

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 Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Paris Better for Christmas?

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

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Kuala Lumpur does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Paris Better for Families?

Paris 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, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts 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 Paris Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Paris are amazing 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 Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

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

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 Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Paris a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Paris?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Paris, 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Paris 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 Paris?

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Paris, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling 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 Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming big city of Kuala Lumpur. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Paris, 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 Paris?

Paris 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 Paris in the Summer?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 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 Paris. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Paris in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Paris. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris 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, most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Paris can be very cold during winter. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Paris during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Paris. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris 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 spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Paris. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 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 Paris. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Kuala Lumpur