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

Should you visit Athens or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Athens and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Kiel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Kiel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is known for its beaches. Athens is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kiel 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 Kiel?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Athens is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Athens or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Athens or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Athens can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Kiel?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Kiel both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Kiel is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Athens or Kiel Better for Families?

Athens is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Athens or Kiel Better for Couples?

Athens and Kiel both good 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.

Kiel is a nice destination for couples. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Athens or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Athens or Kiel Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Athens is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Athens has some very good public transit options. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Athens or Kiel a more walkable city?

Athens is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Athens?

How long in Athens or Kiel?

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

Families should spend more time in Athens than Kiel. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Kiel 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 Kiel?

Athens is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kiel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Kiel?

Athens is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

Athens is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. 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 Kiel?

Athens is a historic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Kiel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Kiel, we can see that Kiel 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Kiel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Kiel?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

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

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Athens is much warmer than Kiel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Kiel. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Kiel averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Athens or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Kiel. 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 Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Kiel. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Athens