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

Should you visit Cologne or Alesund?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Alesund? 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Alesund

Alesund is a friendly, scenic, and laid back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Alesund?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cologne than Alesund, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cologne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Alesund is more popular for its food. Cologne is more touristy than Alesund and is known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Alesund is well known for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

Is the Food Better in Cologne or Alesund? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alesund 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 Alesund is an experience not to be missed. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

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 Cologne or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Cologne offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Cologne or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Cologne to see the historical 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.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Alesund?

Cologne is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Cologne or Alesund Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Alesund does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a world class destination during the Christmas season. 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.

Alesund does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Alesund Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas markets. However, Alesund does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to Cologne specifically for the 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.

Alesund does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Alesund Better for Families?

Cologne is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Cologne or Alesund Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Alesund make for a notable place to visit.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Alesund is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Cologne or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Cologne or Alesund Better for Students?

Cologne is a well-known place for students. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Cologne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Alesund. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

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

Cologne is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Cologne can get you around easily. 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.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Cologne or Alesund a more walkable city?

Cologne is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Alesund Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cologne and Alesund. In our opinion, Cologne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cologne than Alesund. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cologne than Alesund 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 Cologne or Alesund?

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.

In Alesund, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cologne or Alesund?

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.

In Alesund, 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 Alesund has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Alesund?

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.

Alesund 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 Cologne or Alesund?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alesund. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alesund. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Alesund?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Alesund, 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 Cologne or Alesund?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cologne or Alesund in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Alesund. The summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In the summer, Cologne is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In July, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alesund. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Alesund in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Alesund. 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. Additionally, many travelers come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cologne is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Alesund. Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Alesund in the Winter?

Both Alesund and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alesund can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. Cologne is a little warmer than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In January, Cologne usually receives less rain than Alesund. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Alesund in the Spring?

Both Alesund and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Cologne is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alesund and Cologne