Which place is cheaper, Hamburg or Munich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich or Hamburg, 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 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Munich travel costs.
Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. Hamburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Hamburg travel costs.
Visitors will generally find more to do in Munich than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Munich, Munich has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Munich is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hamburg attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Munich is famous for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also well known for The Nymphenburg Palace. Hamburg is famous for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hamburg and Munich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Munich or Hamburg.
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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.
Munich is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
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.
There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).
Munich is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Munich or Hamburg.
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.
Hamburg is known as a music capital around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.
Munich is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.
Hamburg is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Munich is not a destination known for its beauty.
Hamburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is divided into a number of different districts that each have their own personality.
Munich is not a destination known for its beauty.
Munich and Hamburg are both excellent 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.
Hamburg is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.
Munich is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
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.
Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.
Munich is renowned for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.
Munich is renowned for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
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.
It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.
Munich is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Public transit in Hamburg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.
Munich and Hamburg both are excellent 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.
Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Hamburg Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Munich and Hamburg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Munich than in Hamburg. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Munich, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hamburg.
Families should spend more time in Munich than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg. 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 Hamburg 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.
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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
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.
Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
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 Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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.
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 nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of Hamburg. This port 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 Historical Tours in Germany, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €168, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is €142. 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 Munich and Hamburg in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Munich or Hamburg? 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:
Prices for flights to both Hamburg and Munich 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.
Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Munich:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Munich and Hamburg, we can see that Munich is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Hamburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Munich Expensive? and Is Hamburg Expensive?.
Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Munich. When comparing the sizes of Munich and Hamburg, 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.
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.
Both Hamburg and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
Munich is a little warmer than Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Hamburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Munich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Hamburg and Munich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Munich because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.
In the autumn, Munich is around the same temperature as Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the autumn, Munich often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.
Munich usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Hamburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Munich in the winter. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).
Munich usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Munich as well as Hamburg. Many travelers come to Munich for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.
Munich is much warmer than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Munich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.
Munich usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hamburg. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Munich | Hamburg | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Apr | 11°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
May | 15°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Sep | 17°C (62°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |