A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Munich vs. Hamburg for Nightlife, Music, Backpackers, and Attractions

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Should you visit Munich or Hamburg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Hamburg, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Munich and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Munich
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Hamburg
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


How is Munich different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Munich
Hamburg

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

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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.


Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Food?

Munich
Hamburg

Both Munich and Hamburg offer a number of unique 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Munich
Hamburg

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

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.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Music?

Munich
Hamburg

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

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.

Hamburg is known as a music capital around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Shopping?

Munich
Hamburg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hamburg and Munich.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.


Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Families?

Munich
Hamburg

Munich and Hamburg are both fun destinations for the whole family.

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.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Munich
Hamburg

Munich and Hamburg are both fun to visit as a couple.

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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich
Hamburg

Most people consider Munich to be better for backpackers than Hamburg.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Students?

Munich
Hamburg

Munich is generally a better city for students than Hamburg.

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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.


Is Munich or Hamburg Better for Public Transit?

Munich
Hamburg

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

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.

Visitors to Hamburg can move around easily with public transportation. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Munich or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Munich
Hamburg

Munich and Hamburg both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Munich?

How long in Munich or Hamburg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Munich and Hamburg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Munich than Hamburg.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Munich is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Hamburg is 1-3 days.


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

One day in Munich or Hamburg?

Because Munich is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Munich or Hamburg?

Because Munich is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Munich has to offer.

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg?

Munich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Munich has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Munich. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which city is cheaper, Hamburg or Munich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €150, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is €117. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Munich and Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Munich €91
    Hamburg €54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Munich €182
    Hamburg €108
Compare Hotels in Munich and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Munich or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Munich €19
    Hamburg €29
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:

  • EXCLUSiVE OKTOBERFEST & Munich Sightseeing in Comfort Minivan + extra Transfer: $429
  • Ellmau: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $347
  • Exclusive Private Ski Course with success guarantee & Transfer to ski area from Munich: $496
  • From Munich to Frankfurt Airport - Private transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $344
  • Garmisch: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $377
  • Graz: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $53
  • Innsbruck: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $483
  • Kitzbuhel: Private Transfer to or from Munich Airport: $422
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Friedrichshafen Airport to Munich City - One Way: $452
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Memmingen Allgau Airport to Munich City - One Way: $341
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Salzburg Airport to Munich City - One Way: $322
  • Munich - Budapest Transfer: $523

Typical Local Transportation prices in Hamburg

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


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    €1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Airport Transfer Luxury Van 8-seater: $299
  • Airport transfer executive sedan: $148
  • Airport-Transfer First Class: $198
  • Airport-Transfer Premium Van: $180
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City: $59
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City: $77
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $87
  • Deluxe Private Transfer From Hamburg City to Berlin City: $249
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport HAM: $62
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport HAM: $77
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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
    Hamburg €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.

  • Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour: Munich: $40
  • 3-Hour Food Tour Through Haidhausen: $44
  • Munich Traditional Bavarian Culture, Beer And Food Tour Including Traditional Bavarian Dress: $200

Typical Food prices in Hamburg

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


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    €15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    €5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    €6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    €15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    €4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    €6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    €3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    €4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • Historic Reeperbahn Tour with Optional Dinner in Hamburg: $38
  • St. Georg Hamburg - Food Tour: $45
  • HafenCity & Elbphilharmonie - Food Tour: $50
  • Sternschanze Hamburg - Food Tour: $53
  • St. Pauli - Food Tour: $53
  • Eat Like A Local : Hamburg Private Food Tour With Tastings: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Munich €29
    Hamburg €39
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:

  • Haunted City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.64
  • Old Town Walking Tour in Spanish: $16
  • CityTourCard Public Transport & Discounts: $16
  • SEA LIFE Munich Admission Ticket: $18
  • Day Ticket to Sea Life: $21
  • Nymphenburg Palace/Munich Residenz Guided Tour: $21
  • Crypts, Roof Terraces, & Hidden Things Walking Tour: $21
  • 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Express Tour of Munich: $21
  • Spooky Theatrical Performances and Old Town Tour: $32
  • Munich Card (Group) with public transport: Save at attractions & tours!: $33
  • Mysterious Old Town Theatrical Tour: $33
  • City Tour & FC Bayern Munich Soccer Arena Tour: $34

Typical Entertainment prices in Hamburg

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


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    €3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

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

  • Spicy's Gewürzmuseum Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $5.66
  • RICKMER RICKMERS Museum Entry Ticket: $6.79
  • Walking Tour for School Groups: $8.48
  • Panoptikum Hamburg Ticket: $8.58
  • Hamburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Hamburg by Boat: 1-Hour Hanseatic Tour: $16
  • Express outer Elbphilharmonietour: $19
  • Speicherstadt and Hafencity Guided Tour: $19
  • 2-Hour St. Georg Walking Tour: $19
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour - Yellow Double Decker - GROUP TICKETS: $20
  • GROUP TICKETS HOP-ON HOP-OFF City Tour by Bus: $20
  • Outer Elbphilharmonie Tour: Public Tour in German: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Munich €36
    Hamburg €17
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:

  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

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

  • Club and Pub Tour of St. Pauli: $27
  • Corona Pub Crawl with special drinks: $62
  • Private guided Club & Pub tour - Pub Crawl: $358

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Munich or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Munich is a little warmer than Hamburg in the summer. The temperature in Munich is usually 20°C (68°F) in July, and Hamburg stays around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Hamburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Munich 20°C (68°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Munich or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Munich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Munich because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Munich is around the same temperature as Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October are around 11°C (52°F), and Hamburg is about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Munich often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Munich 11°C (52°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Munich or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Hamburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Munich in the winter. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Hamburg. Temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Hamburg stays around 0°C (33°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Munich -1°C (31°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Munich or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Munich as well as Hamburg. Many travelers come to Munich for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Munich is much warmer than Hamburg in the spring. The temperature in Munich is usually 11°C (53°F) in April, and Hamburg stays around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Munich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hamburg. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Munich 11°C (53°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Munich

Munich Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)


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Munich vs. Hamburg Travel Comparison

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