Comparison · Hamburg vs Munich · Germany
Hamburg vs Munich
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Hamburg for Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and free sights; choose Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens. Hamburg is generally less expensive, and the two are about 612 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 612 km
- Less expensive
- Hamburg
- Best time for Hamburg
- May–September
- Best time for Munich
- May–July, September and December
Side by side
| Hamburg | Munich | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Germany |
| Known for | Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and Speicherstadt | Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and Marienplatz |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–July, September and December |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $160–$280 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 23°C (73°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 4°C (39°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | HAM | MUC, FMM |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Hamburg for…
Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and free sights. Germany's second-largest city is built around water: the working port on the Elbe, the canals of the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt warehouse district and the two Alster lakes in the centre. Visitors come for the Elbphilharmonie's free viewing plaza, Miniatur…
Choose Munich for…
Oktoberfest and Beer gardens. Bavaria's capital mixes royal grandeur with beer-hall tradition. The compact Altstadt around Marienplatz holds the Neues Rathaus, the twin-towered Frauenkirche and the Residenz palace, while the Englischer Garten, one of the largest city parks in Europe…
Top sights compared
| # | Hamburg | Munich |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elbphilharmonie and Plaza | Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus |
| 2 | Speicherstadt | Frauenkirche |
| 3 | Miniatur Wunderland | Munich Residenz |
| 4 | Harbour boat tour and ferry 62 | Englischer Garten |
| 5 | Landungsbrücken and Old Elbe Tunnel | Viktualienmarkt |
Food compared
| Hamburg | Munich |
|---|---|
| Fish sandwich | White sausage |
| Franzbrötchen | Pretzel |
| Labskaus | Roast pork knuckle |
| Hamburg fish pan | Roast pork with dumplings |
Which is cheaper?
Hamburg is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $160–$280 per person there, against $180–$320 in Munich (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Hamburg on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Hamburg and Munich are about 612 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Hamburg and 4 in Munich.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Hamburg or Munich cheaper?
Hamburg is usually less expensive: about $160–$280 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Hamburg or Munich better for a first trip?
Pick Hamburg for Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and free sights, or Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens.
+How far is Hamburg from Munich?
About 612 km in a straight line.