A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Munich vs. Kiel for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Munich or Kiel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Kiel, 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront 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 Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Kiel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich than Kiel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Munich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kiel is known for its beaches. Munich is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Munich different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Munich is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Munich or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Munich or Kiel Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Munich The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Kiel is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Kiel Better for Beaches?

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

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Kiel?

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

The abundance of shops in Munich make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Munich or Kiel Better for Families?

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

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Munich or Kiel Better for Couples?

Munich is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Munich or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Munich. 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Munich or Kiel Better for Students?

Munich is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Munich is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Munich or Kiel a more walkable city?

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

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Munich?

How long in Munich or Kiel?

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

Families should spend more time in Munich than Kiel. 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 Kiel. 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 Kiel 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 Kiel?

Munich is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kiel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Munich or Kiel?

Munich is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

Munich is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

The multicultural city of Munich offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the maritime destination of Kiel. 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 Tours Under $1000 in Germany, and The Best Luxury Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Kiel, 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 Kiel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Munich or Kiel?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Munich and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Munich is generally a little warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 20°C (68°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives less rain than Kiel. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Munich is around the same temperature as Kiel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Munich often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Kiel. 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 Kiel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. The weather in Munich can be very cold. In the winter, Munich is much colder than Kiel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Munich in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Kiel averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Munich or Kiel in the Spring?

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

In April, Munich is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (53°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Munich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kiel. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Munich