A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Munich vs. Calais for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Munich or Calais?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Calais, 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Munich and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Munich or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Munich than Calais. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Munich is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Calais attracts visitors for its beaches. Munich is more touristy than Calais and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also well known for The Nymphenburg Palace. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Munich different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Munich
Calais

Munich is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Munich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


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

Munich
Calais

Munich is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Munich or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Munich
Calais

Munich is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Munich or Calais Better for Music?

Munich
Calais

Munich is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Calais is not a live music destination.

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.

Calais is not a live music destination.


Is Munich or Calais Better for Beaches?

Munich
Calais

Calais is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Munich is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Calais?

Munich
Calais

Munich is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Munich is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Munich or Calais Better for Families?

Munich
Calais

Munich is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Munich is known to be 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.


Is Munich or Calais Better for Couples?

Munich
Calais

Munich is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Munich or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich
Calais

Munich is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Munich is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Munich or Calais Better for Students?

Munich
Calais

Munich is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Munich. 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.

Calais is not popular with students.


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

Munich
Calais

Munich is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Munich or Calais a more walkable city?

Munich
Calais

Munich is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Munich?

How long in Munich or Calais?

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

Families should spend more time in Munich than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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.


  • How many days in Munich or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Munich 2-5 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Munich or Calais?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Munich or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

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 Calais. 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 Calais?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Munich?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €148, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Munich and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Munich 89
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Munich 178
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Munich and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Munich or Calais? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Munich


Hotels in Calais


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Munich Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Munich 19
    Calais 47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    2.30
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    5.20
  • City transport day ticket
    11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Munich Airport MUC to Munich in Luxury Car: $249
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Car: $74
  • Arrival Transfer Munich Train Station to Munich by Luxury Van: $65
  • Arrival Transfer from Munich Train Station to Munich by Sedan: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer: Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Luxury Car: $250
  • From Munich Airport to Nuremberg - Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $193
  • From Munich Airport to Salzburg - Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $208
  • Guided Nymphenburg Palace Tour with Transfers & skip the line.: $235
  • Mercedes Benz V-Class Airport Transfers: $158
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Arber Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Arrival Transfer: $71
  • Munich Airport (MUC) to Munich - Arrival Private Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Munich change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Munich 27
    Calais 35
Typical Food Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    5.00
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    1.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $46
  • Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
  • Food Tour Beer- 3 small beers & "Brotzeit" in GERMAN: $79
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $99
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $136
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $209
  • Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $229
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
  • Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Munich 29
    Calais 8.92
Typical Entertainment Prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    4.00
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    9.00
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    14
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    24

Tours and Activities in Munich

Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Munich Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Victuals Market Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.74
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Guided tour through the Sudeten German Museum: $5.35
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.35
  • From Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $5.35
  • Munich through the Centuries: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-guided Walking Tour to River Isar Landmarks: $6.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • Interactive City Tour on Your Smartphone: $7.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Munich 37
    Calais 12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    12

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $28
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $37
  • Max & Moritz: Interactive Wine Tasting Experience: $37
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $95
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $288
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401


When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Calais, 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Munich or Calais?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Munich and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Munich is a little warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Calais. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Munich 20°C (68°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Munich or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Munich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Munich is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Munich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Calais. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Munich 11°C (52°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Munich or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Calais. The winter months attract visitors to Munich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. The weather in Munich can be very cold. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Calais. Daily temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Munich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Munich -1°C (31°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Munich or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Munich as well as Calais. The activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Munich is a little warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Munich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Munich 11°C (53°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Munich

Munich Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)