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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Valencia?

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 Valencia. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia

Valencia is a cultural, historic, and architectural coastal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Valencia?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Valencia than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Valencia, Valencia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Valencia is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Valencia is famous for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also well known for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Valencia both to be world-class 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, Valencia is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

Valencia 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 Valencia just to party. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's 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 Valencia Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a handful of resorts to choose from. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valencia Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Valencia offers a nice beach destination. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Valencia is revered around the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valencia Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Valencia offers some nice hiking trails. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Valencia?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valencia Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valencia Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Valencia 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 Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

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

Kuala Lumpur and Valencia are both great destinations 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.

Valencia is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valencia Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Valencia 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 Valencia. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Kuala Lumpur is top-notch. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Valencia a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very walkable city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Valencia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Valencia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Valencia. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Valencia.

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

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

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

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Valencia?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Valencia, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic coastal city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Valencia?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valencia is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Valencia?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic big city of Valencia. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Valencia?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Valencia is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Valencia?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Valencia. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Valencia, 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 Valencia?

Valencia 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 Valencia in the Summer?

Both Valencia 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 Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Valencia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Valencia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Valencia, 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 Valencia. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 303 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 Valencia. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Valencia in the Autumn?

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

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Valencia. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Valencia during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 198 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 Valencia. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Valencia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Valencia. 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 Valencia this time of year.

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

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Valencia. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Valencia. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Valencia in the Spring?

Both Valencia 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 Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Valencia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Valencia averages at about 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Valencia. Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Valencia. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Kuala Lumpur