A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Munich vs. Seattle for Nightlife, Music, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Munich or Seattle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Seattle, 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 multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Munich and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Seattle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seattle than Munich. While Munich is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seattle is very popular for its theatre productions, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Munich attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities. Munich is famous for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also well known for The Space Needle.

How is Munich different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Munich is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Munich is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Munich and Seattle offer a number of superb 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 Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Munich is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Munich is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Music?

Munich is renowned for its music scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for live music.

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.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Beaches?

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

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Munich is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Seattle?

Munich is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Families?

Munich is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Couples?

Munich is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is renowned for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Munich or Seattle Better for Students?

Munich is renowned for students. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Munich is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Munich has a great public transit system. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Munich or Seattle a more walkable city?

Munich and Seattle both are superb 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.

Seattle is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Munich?

How long in Munich or Seattle?

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

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

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 live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Seattle?

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 museums and theater when visiting the bustling big city of Seattle. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Munich or Seattle?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Munich and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Seattle. The summer months attract visitors to Munich because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

Munich is around the same temperature as Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Munich usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Seattle. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Munich as well as Seattle. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Munich is cooler than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Munich often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Munich. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Seattle. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Munich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Munich in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Munich is around the same temperature as Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Munich often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Munich