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

Should you visit Munich or Lindau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Lindau, 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Lindau

Lindau is a picturesque, fun-filled, and scenic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food.

Munich and Lindau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Lindau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Munich. Although Munich and Lindau are both popular with visitors, Munich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Munich is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Lindau is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Munich is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Lindau is popular for its lakefront location and quaint old town.

How is Munich different from Lindau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Munich is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.

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

Both Munich and Lindau offer a number of high quality 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 Lindau. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Is Munich or Lindau Better for Nightlife?

Munich is terrific for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Munich is a must-see 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.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Is Munich or Lindau Better for Music?

Munich is terrific for its live music scene. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Lindau Better for its Old Town?

Lindau is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lindau to see the historical old town. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Lindau?

Munich is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Munich or Lindau Better for Families?

Munich and Lindau are both high quality 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.

Lindau is a very family-friendly destination. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

Is Munich or Lindau Better for Couples?

Munich and Lindau are both high quality 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.

Lindau is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

Is Munich or Lindau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Munich or Lindau Better for Students?

Munich is terrific for students. However, Lindau is not popular with students.

Munich is a very popular city 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.

Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Munich is terrific for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Munich can take you anywhere. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.

Is Munich or Lindau a more walkable city?

Munich and Lindau both are high quality 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.

Lindau is very walkable. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

Should I spend more time in Lindau or Munich?

How long in Munich or Lindau?

It's fun to spend time in either Munich or Lindau. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Munich due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Munich, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lindau.

Couples should spend more time in Munich than Lindau. 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 Lindau 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 Lindau?

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.

Lindau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Lindau?

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.

Lindau 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 Lindau?

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 Lindau. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Lindau?

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.

Lindau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Lindau, we can see that Lindau 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 Lindau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Munich or Lindau?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Munich and Lindau, 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.