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

Should you visit Bath or Kiel?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bath and Kiel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a architectural, charming, and historical spa town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel

Kiel is a maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bath and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Kiel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kiel than Bath. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kiel is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Bath attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bath is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also well known for The Kiel Castle.

How is Bath different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bath or Kiel?

Bath 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 Bath are among the most recognizable in the world. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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 Bath or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Bath and Kiel can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. 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 Bath or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Both Bath and Kiel have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Kiel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Bath or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is very good for its beaches. However, Bath is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Bath is not a beach destination.

Is Bath or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Bath is well known for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Kiel?

Bath is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bath is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Bath or Kiel Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Bath or Kiel.

Bath is a family-friendly spa town. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kiel. 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 Bath or Kiel Better for Couples?

Bath is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Bath makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Kiel is a good spa town for couples to visit. 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 Bath or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bath. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

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 Bath or Kiel Better for Students?

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

Bath is a very popular spa town for students and younger travelers. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Bath, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

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

Is Bath or Kiel a more walkable city?

Bath is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Bath on foot is easy. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Bath?

How long in Bath or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bath and Kiel. In our opinion, Bath has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bath than Kiel. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath 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 Bath.

One day in Bath or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bath. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kiel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bath or Kiel?

Bath is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kiel is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bath or Kiel?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bath. This spa town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Kiel. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bath or Kiel?

The charming spa town of Bath offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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 maritime city of Kiel offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bath or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath 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.