A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Munich for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Munich?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Munich can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Munich

Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Munich: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Munich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich. Although Orkney Islands and Munich are popular destinations, Munich has more sights and attractions for tourists. Munich is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Munich is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also well known for The Nymphenburg Palace. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Munich?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Munich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.


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

Orkney Islands
Munich

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Munich.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Munich makes for a great culinary experience. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Orkney Islands or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Munich Better for Music?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is renowned for its music scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.

Munich has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Orkney Islands is not a live music destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Munich Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Orkney Islands is well known for the beach. However, Munich is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Munich is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Munich Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Munich

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Munich?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Munich specifically to go shopping. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Munich Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Munich. 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Munich Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Both Orkney Islands and Munich are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Munich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Munich, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.


Is Orkney Islands or Munich Better for Students?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

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

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Munich a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Munich

Munich is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Munich or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Munich?

In either Orkney Islands or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than Munich because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-5 days is enough time in Munich.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich than Orkney Islands 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.


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Munich? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Munich 2-5

One day in Orkney Islands or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. 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.

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.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Munich?

Orkney Islands 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.

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.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Munich?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. 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.

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.


A week in Orkney Islands or Munich?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the tranquil destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Munich or Orkney Islands?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orkney Islands is £128, while the average daily cost in Munich is £127. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orkney Islands and Munich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Munich £76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Munich £152
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Munich

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands or Munich? 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 Orkney Islands


Hotels in Munich


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Munich £16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Munich

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


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    £1.97
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    £4.45
  • City transport day ticket
    £9.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Private transfer from Munich to Vienna: $930
  • Private transfer from Munich to Prague: $706
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to Munich airport: $292
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 3h on Eagle's Nest: $284
  • Private Car from Munich to Prague: Transfer with 2h Sightseeing: $284
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing with Local Driver: $279
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 4h of Sightseeing: $272
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Munich to Nuremberg with 4h of Sightseeing: $268
  • Salzburg to Munich Transfer: $267
  • Transfer Munich to Kaprun,Zell am See,Flachau,Stubai,Kitzbuhel,Innsbruck & Other: $259
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Salzburg with 2 hours for sightseeing: $257
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Passau, 2 Hour Stop in Dachau: $257

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Munich?

Prices for flights to both Munich and Orkney Islands 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
    Orkney Islands £34
    Munich £23

Typical Food Prices in Munich

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


  • Bratwurst
    £4.28
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    £1.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Viktualienmarkt Gourmet Food Tour: $46
  • Private Salzburg History & Food Tour with Munich train add-on: $55
  • Food Tour Beer- 3 small beers & "Brotzeit" in GERMAN: $79
  • 6 gears dinner show menu: $99
  • Original Munich Christmas Market Food Tour - all tastings included: $136
  • Lunch Like a Local: Munich's ORIGINAL Viktualienmarkt Food Tour: $141
  • Private Full Day Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich: $209
  • Private - Viktualienmarkt Food Tour and Beyond - best Munich tastings: $229
  • Munich Food Tour & Food Market with German Delicacies: $265
  • Salzburg Semi-Private Guided Day Tour from Munich with Dinner : $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Munich £25

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orkney Islands.

  • Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall : $246
  • From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour: $275

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
    £3.42
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    £7.70
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    £12
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    £21

Tours and Activities in Munich

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

  • 2 Hours VIP Private Segway Tour: $91
  • 2-hour Private Walking Tour in Munich: $214
  • 2-hour city tour by bike in Munich to the hotspots of the Isar metropolis: $35
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $210
  • 5 Top Churches in Munich Private Walking Tour : $211
  • A Tour inside Munich's Justizpalast: $24
  • Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $202
  • Albert Einstein Private Walking Tour in Old Town Munich: $207
  • Andechs Monastery Beer Hike Food Experience Private Tour (departs Munich): $208
  • Art & Heritage: Private Walking Tour of Bavarian National Museum: $202
  • Art & Heritage: Walking Tour of Bavarian National Museum: $395
  • Bad Tölz Private Guided Walking Tour: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Munich £31

Typical Alcohol Prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

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

  • Exclusive Brewery Tour & Tasting of 4 Organic Beers: $28
  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $31
  • English Guided Brewery Tour in Munich beertasting 4 beers: $37
  • Max & Moritz: Interactive Wine Tasting Experience: $37
  • Cheese & Wine tasting: $95
  • The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food: $141
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $288
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert: $294
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401


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



When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Munich?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Munich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Munich. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Munich in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Munich. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Munich. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Munich 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Munich in the Autumn?

Both Munich and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Munich in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Munich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Munich averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Munich during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Munich. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Munich 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Munich in the Winter?

Both Munich and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Munich can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Munich fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Munich. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Munich. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Munich -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Munich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Munich. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Munich because of the activities around the city.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Munich in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Munich during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Munich. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Munich 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Munich and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Munich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)