A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Kilkenny for Families, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Bonn or Kilkenny?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Kilkenny? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Kilkenny?

Both Kilkenny and Bonn have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Bonn is very popular for its shopping and quaint atmosphere, while Kilkenny attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Bonn different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bonn or Kilkenny?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Bonn or Kilkenny.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Many visitors head to Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Kilkenny is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kilkenny. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Bonn and Kilkenny.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Bonn or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Bonn and Kilkenny.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Kilkenny?

Bonn is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

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 Bonn or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Bonn is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is one of the most popular family destinations. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Kilkenny is a great town for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Kilkenny is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Kilkenny are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Bonn or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Bonn is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bonn can get you to some places easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Is Bonn or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Bonn and Kilkenny are great when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bonn or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bonn 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 Bonn, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kilkenny than Bonn. 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 Bonn than Kilkenny 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 Bonn.

One day in Bonn or Kilkenny?

The city of Bonn offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. 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.

A weekend in Bonn or Kilkenny?

Bonn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bonn, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kilkenny is a fun place to experience. 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.

Five days in Bonn or Kilkenny?

Bonn is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Kilkenny. This 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.

A week in Bonn or Kilkenny?

Bonn is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The active town of Kilkenny 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and Kilkenny, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Kilkenny?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn or Kilkenny?

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 Bonn or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Kilkenny. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is a little warmer than Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Bonn often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Kilkenny. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bonn is generally a little warmer than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bonn usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Kilkenny in the Winter?

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

Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. Bonn is much colder than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Kilkenny. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Kilkenny. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Kilkenny. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bonn is a little warmer than Kilkenny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bonn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Bonn