A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Alesund for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Alesund. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a welcoming, friendly, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Alesund

Alesund is a welcoming, friendly, and scenic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Alesund is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Alesund travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur. Although Kuala Lumpur and Alesund are both popular with visitors, Kuala Lumpur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Alesund and is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Alesund is popular for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kuala Lumpur that are not to be missed. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Alesund has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Kuala Lumpur offers plenty to do in the evening. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Kuala Lumpur is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alesund More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Alesund is a beautiful place to visit, too. The architecture, viewpoints, and nearby fjords make this a great stop off on any Norwegian adventure.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alesund Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly place to visit. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alesund Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alesund Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for students. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Plenty of students visit Alesund. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alesund Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alesund a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Alesund. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Alesund. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Alesund. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kuala Lumpur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Alesund 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Alesund, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Because Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Alesund is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Alesund. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Alesund is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Alesund, 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 Kuala Lumpur or Alesund?

Alesund has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Alesund. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Alesund. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Alesund. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Kuala Lumpur during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during winter. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Alesund. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Alesund. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alesund because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Alesund. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alesund and Kuala Lumpur