A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Munich vs. Boston for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Munich or Boston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Boston, 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 multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Munich and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Boston?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boston than Munich. While Munich is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boston is better known for its museums, theatre productions, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Munich is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities. Munich is well known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail.

How is Munich different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Boston on the map. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Munich is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Munich is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Munich and Boston offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Munich is an experience not to be missed. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Munich is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Munich is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Music?

Munich is an unbeatable place for live music. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its live music scene.

Munich is a world class music destination. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a city with a few options for the beach. However, Munich is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is Munich or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Boston can be explored in its historical center. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Boston?

Munich is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Munich does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Boston. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Munich does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is well known for its Christmas markets. However, Munich does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Boston to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Munich does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Families?

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

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Munich is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Couples?

Munich is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Munich or Boston Better for Students?

Munich and Boston are world-class places to visit for students.

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.

Boston is a very popular city for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Munich and Boston.

Munich has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Boston can take you anywhere. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is Munich or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Munich?

How long in Munich or Boston?

In either Munich or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boston than Munich. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Munich, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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 live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Boston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Munich or Boston?

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.

Boston is a great place to explore. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Munich or Boston?

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 Boston. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Munich or Boston?

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 museums and theater when visiting the proud big city of Boston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Munich and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Munich much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Munich is in Europe and Boston is in North America, 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 Munich would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Munich 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Munich.

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

Which is Bigger, Munich or Boston?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Munich and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Boston. Many travelers come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Munich is cooler than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Munich in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Munich usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Boston. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Munich as well as Boston. Many visitors come to Munich in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Munich is generally cooler than Boston. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (52°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Munich often gets less sunshine than Boston. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. Munich can be very cold during winter. Munich is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Munich averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Boston during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Boston. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Munich during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Munich because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

In the spring, Munich is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Munich in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Munich often gets less sunshine than Boston. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Boston and Munich