A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Munich vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Munich or Austin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Austin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Munich

Munich is a bustling, high energy, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Munich and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Munich than Austin. Munich is bigger than Austin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Munich is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Austin is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Munich is more touristy than Austin and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Also, Munich is famous for The Nymphenburg Palace. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Munich different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Munich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Munich or Austin?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Munich or Austin.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Munich can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin 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, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Munich or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Munich and Austin.

Munich is a world class party destination. 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.

Austin is a must-see party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is Munich or Austin Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Munich or Austin.

In Munich you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is Munich or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Munich is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Austin?

Munich is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Munich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Munich or Austin Better for Families?

Munich is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Munich is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Munich or Austin Better for Couples?

Munich is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Munich or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Munich is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Munich or Austin Better for Students?

Munich is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Munich is a great destination for students. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Munich is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Munich can get you around easily. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Munich or Austin a more walkable city?

Munich is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Munich?

How long in Munich or Austin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich than Austin 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 Munich or Austin?

Munich is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Munich or Austin?

Munich 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.

Austin 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.

Five days in Munich or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Munich or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the economically thriving big city of Munich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Austin, we can see that Munich is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Munich is in Europe and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Munich Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Munich or Austin?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Munich and Austin, 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 Munich or Austin?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Munich or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Munich because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the summer, Munich is much colder than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Munich in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. Munich usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Austin. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Munich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Munich is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (52°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Munich often gets less sunshine than Austin. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Austin. Many travelers come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Munich. Munich is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Munich averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Austin. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Munich as well as Austin. Many visitors come to Munich in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Munich is much colder than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Munich in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the spring, Munich often gets less sunshine than Austin. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Munich