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

Should you visit Christchurch or Cologne?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Cologne? 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a adventure-filled, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cologne

Cologne is a fun, accessible, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Christchurch and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Christchurch, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its historical sights, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Christchurch is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Cologne is more touristy than Christchurch and is known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also home to The Cologne Cathedral. Christchurch is popular for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Christchurch different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Christchurch and Cologne.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Many visitors head to Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Christchurch or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Christchurch is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Christchurch is an experience not to be missed. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. 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 Christchurch or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Christchurch and Cologne.

Christchurch is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. 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 Christchurch or Cologne Better for Beaches?

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

Christchurch is considered a top beach destination. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a popular place for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Cologne to see the old town. 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Cologne Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Cologne?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cologne and Christchurch.

Christchurch is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cologne. 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 Christchurch or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Christchurch does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Cologne is not to be missed. 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.

Christchurch does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Christchurch or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is terrific for its Christmas markets. However, Christchurch does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Cologne are not to be missed. 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.

Christchurch does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Christchurch or Cologne Better for Families?

Christchurch is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Cologne is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Christchurch or Cologne Better for Couples?

Christchurch is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

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 Christchurch or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Christchurch is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

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 Christchurch or Cologne Better for Students?

Christchurch and Cologne are high quality places to visit for students.

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Cologne is very popular with students. 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 Christchurch or Cologne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is terrific for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Cologne can take you anywhere. 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.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Cologne a more walkable city?

Christchurch and Cologne both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. 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 Christchurch Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Christchurch and Cologne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Christchurch than in Cologne. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

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

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

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

One day in Christchurch or Cologne?

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

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Christchurch or Cologne?

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

Cologne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Cologne?

Christchurch 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant big city of Cologne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Christchurch or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Christchurch. 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Cologne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

In the summer, Christchurch is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Colognein July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Christchurch or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Christchurch is generally around the same temperature as Colognein October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Colognein October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Colognein October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Cologne. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Christchurch is much warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F)in January.

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Colognein January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Christchurch or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Cologne. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Christchurch is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the spring, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Colognein April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Colognein April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Christchurch