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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Venice?

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 Venice. 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 modern, welcoming, and friendly 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Venice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kuala Lumpur than Venice. Kuala Lumpur is bigger than Venice, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Venice is more popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. 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. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Venice.

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 Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Kuala Lumpur for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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 Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Venice?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Venice.

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 Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Venice Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Venice 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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Venice are both high quality 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.

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Venice Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Venice are first-rate 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 Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Visitors will find first-rate public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Venice.

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 Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Venice?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Venice?

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

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

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.

Venice 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 Venice?

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 Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming 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.

Venice is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Venice?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Venice, 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 Venice?

Venice 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 Venice in the Summer?

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

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 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 Venice. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Venice. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Venice. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Venice in the Winter?

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

The weather in Venice can be very cold. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Venice. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Venice. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 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 Venice. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Kuala Lumpur