A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Cologne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Cologne?

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 Athens and Cologne. 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.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Cologne?

Both Cologne and Athens have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Cologne attracts visitors for its shopping and christmas markets. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Cologne is famous for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River.

How is Athens different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Cologne?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Many visitors head to Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Cologne?

Cologne is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Athens does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Athens does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Athens does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Athens does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for Families?

Both Athens and Cologne are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Cologne is a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for Couples?

Athens and Cologne both nice destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Cologne are superb places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Cologne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Is Athens or Cologne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Athens or Cologne a more walkable city?

Athens and Cologne are superb when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Athens?

How long in Athens or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Cologne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Cologne. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Cologne 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Cologne?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Cologne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Cologne?

Because Athens 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Cologne 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 Athens or Cologne?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. 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 Athens or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible big city of Cologne. This 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Cologne, 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 Athens or Cologne?

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 Athens or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Cologne. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Cologne in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Cologne. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cologne can be very cold during winter. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Cologne in the Spring?

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

Athens is much warmer than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Cologne. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Athens