A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Cologne for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Brisbane or Cologne?

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 Brisbane and Cologne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Brisbane and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne. Although Brisbane and Cologne are roughly the same size, Cologne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cologne is very popular for its historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brisbane attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Cologne is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Brisbane different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Cologne and Brisbane.

Many visitors head to Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cologne can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Brisbane or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Brisbane and Cologne can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Brisbane is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Cologne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Brisbane or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Brisbane and Cologne.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Cologne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Brisbane or Cologne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Cologne Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is well known for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Brisbane is considered a top beach destination. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Cologne has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Brisbane or Cologne Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Cologne?

If you're looking to go shopping, Brisbane and Cologne both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Cologne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Brisbane or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Brisbane or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Brisbane does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. 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.

Brisbane does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Brisbane or Cologne Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Brisbane or Cologne.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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 Brisbane or Cologne Better for Couples?

Both Brisbane and Cologne are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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 Brisbane or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brisbane is a very popular coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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 Brisbane or Cologne Better for Students?

For students, both Brisbane and Cologne are great places to visit.

Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Cologne is a great coastal city to visit as a student. 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 Brisbane or Cologne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

Public transit in Cologne is top-notch. 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.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Brisbane or Cologne a more walkable city?

Brisbane and Cologne are great when it comes to walkability.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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 Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brisbane and Cologne. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

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

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

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

One day in Brisbane or Cologne?

In Brisbane, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Cologne is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brisbane or Cologne?

In Brisbane, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brisbane has to offer.

Cologne 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cologne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Cologne?

Brisbane is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cologne 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.

A week in Brisbane or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Cologne is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brisbane and Cologne, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific and Cologne is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Cologne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cologne has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Cologne. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Brisbane is a little warmer than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the summer, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Colognein July. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Brisbane usually gets more rain in January than Colognein July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

In the autumn, Brisbane is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brisbane in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In April, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Colognein October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brisbane or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Brisbane during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. In July, Brisbane is generally much warmer than Colognein January. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 15°C (59°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the winter, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Colognein January. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Colognein January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Cologne. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Brisbane is much warmer than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in April.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Colognein April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Brisbane