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

Should you visit Bristol or Cologne?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Cologne can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Bristol and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Cologne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Bristol. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is more touristy than Bristol 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. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Bristol different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Cologne and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cologne. 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 Bristol or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Cologne can be an enjoyable experience.

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

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 Bristol or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Bristol and Cologne.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Cologne?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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 Bristol or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bristol or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Bristol does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne. 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.

Bristol does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Bristol or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cologne. 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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Cologne Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Cologne are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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 Bristol or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Cologne is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Cologne. 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.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Is Bristol or Cologne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. 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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Cologne a more walkable city?

Bristol and Cologne are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Cologne?

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

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Bristol. 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 Bristol. 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 Cologne than Bristol 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 Cologne.

One day in Bristol or Cologne?

In Bristol, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bristol or Cologne?

In Bristol, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bristol has to offer.

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Cologne?

Bristol is a great place to explore. 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 great place to explore. 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.

A week in Bristol or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bristol. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bristol and Cologne, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Bristol.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bristol. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol or Cologne?

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 Bristol or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Cologne. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bristol is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bristol in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives more rain than Cologne. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Bristol during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cologne can be very cold. In January, Bristol is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 6°C (43°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Cologne. The spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Cologne. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Bristol