A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Kilkenny for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Kilkenny, 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.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a historic, relaxing, and nature-oriented spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Baden-Baden and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kilkenny than Baden-Baden, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kilkenny is better known for its museums and historical sights, while Baden-Baden is more popular for its food and hiking. Baden-Baden is well known for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history. Also, Kilkenny is famous for The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle
The Kilkenny Castle

How is Baden-Baden different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.


Is the Food Better in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Baden-Baden is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Baden-Baden has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Baden-Baden or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Both Baden-Baden and Kilkenny are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Baden-Baden or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.


Is Baden-Baden or Kilkenny Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Baden-Baden is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Baden-Baden. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Both Baden-Baden and Kilkenny are notable shopping destinations.

Baden-Baden offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Baden-Baden or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Baden-Baden and Kilkenny are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Baden-Baden is a very kid-friendly spa town. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kilkenny. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.


Is Baden-Baden or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Baden-Baden and Kilkenny are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Kilkenny makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Is Baden-Baden or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Baden-Baden or Kilkenny Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

Kilkenny has a few public transit options. There are city buses through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.


Is Baden-Baden or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable spa town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Baden-Baden than Kilkenny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kilkenny than Baden-Baden 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 Kilkenny.


  • How many days in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baden-Baden 1-3 
    Kilkenny 1-2

One day in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

The spa town of Baden-Baden offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating town of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

Baden-Baden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this spa town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Baden-Baden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the ancient destination of Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

Baden-Baden is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The fascinating town of Kilkenny offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

Baden-Baden is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This spa town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kilkenny. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Kilkenny or Baden-Baden?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baden-Baden is €154, while the average daily cost in Kilkenny is €88. 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 Baden-Baden and Kilkenny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baden-Baden 87
    Kilkenny 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baden-Baden 174
    Kilkenny 88
Compare Hotels in Baden-Baden and Kilkenny

Looking for a hotel in Baden-Baden or Kilkenny? 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.

Hotels in Baden-Baden


Hotels in Kilkenny


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices and Kilkenny Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baden-Baden 33
    Kilkenny 21

Is it cheaper to fly into Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

Prices for flights to both Kilkenny and Baden-Baden 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baden-Baden 41
    Kilkenny 29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baden-Baden 34
    Kilkenny 15

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373
  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653

Tours and Activities in Kilkenny

Here are a few actual costs in Kilkenny for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.81
  • Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Kilkenny city tour in German.: $13
  • Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
  • Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
  • The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour: $13
  • Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views: $16
  • Knight For Hire Tour: $16
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
  • The Witch Tour: $21
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
  • Smithwick's Beer Experience: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baden-Baden 12
    Kilkenny 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Kilkenny

Also in Kilkenny, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour: $150
  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour : $158


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

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


Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

Baden-Baden has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden and Kilkenny, 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 Baden-Baden or Kilkenny?

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.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Kilkenny. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the family-friendly experiences.

Baden-Baden is a little warmer than Kilkenny in the summer. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In Baden-Baden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baden-Baden usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F) 
    Kilkenny 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Kilkenny. The autumn months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In the autumn, Baden-Baden is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baden-Baden in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Baden-Baden often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F) 
    Kilkenny 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Baden-Baden in the winter. In January, Baden-Baden is generally much colder than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 2°C (35°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Kilkenny during winter. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F) 
    Kilkenny 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and Baden-Baden during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the spring for the natural beauty.

Baden-Baden is a little warmer than Kilkenny in the spring. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Baden-Baden often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in April than Kilkenny. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F) 
    Kilkenny 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Kilkenny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


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