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

Should you visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Rio de Janeiro, 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Munich travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a high energy, colorful, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Munich and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Munich. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Munich attracts visitors for its music. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Munich and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Munich is famous for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles.

How is Munich different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro on the map. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

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 the Food Better in Munich or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Rio de Janeiro is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Munich and Rio de Janeiro.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is a must-see party destination. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Music?

Munich is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Munich is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Rio de Janeiro are among the best in the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Munich is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Rio de Janeiro draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Rio de Janeiro?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rio de Janeiro 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.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rio de Janeiro. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Munich is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Munich is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Munich and Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Munich and Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich and Rio de Janeiro are first-rate places to visit 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.

Many backpackers frequent Rio de Janeiro. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Munich is a world-class destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Munich is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Munich can get you around easily. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Munich or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Munich and Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is very walkable. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Munich?

How long in Munich or Rio de Janeiro?

Munich and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Munich because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Munich, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

Couples should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Munich. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rio de Janeiro that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Munich 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Munich or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Munich is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 big city destination of Rio de Janeiro. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Munich or Rio de Janeiro?

Munich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Munich. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 colorful big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Munich and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Munich is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Munich is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Munich or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Munich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Munich is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Munich usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Munich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Munich is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Munich usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Should I visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Munich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Munich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Munich as well as Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Munich for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Munich is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

Munich usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Munich