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

Should you visit Cologne or Anchorage?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Anchorage? 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.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a nature-oriented, outdoorsy, and scenic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Cologne and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Anchorage?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Anchorage. Cologne is bigger than Anchorage, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cologne is well 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. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage 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 Anchorage?

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Anchorage. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Cologne or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Cologne or Anchorage Better for its Old Town?

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

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Cologne or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Anchorage?

Cologne is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage 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 Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Cologne or Anchorage Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Anchorage Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Anchorage Better for Families?

Cologne is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Cologne or Anchorage Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Cologne or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Anchorage are notable places to visit 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.

Anchorage is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Cologne or Anchorage Better for Students?

Cologne is a well-known place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Cologne or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Cologne is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city 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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Anchorage?

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

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Anchorage. 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 Anchorage. 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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage?

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Cologne or Anchorage?

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Anchorage, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Cologne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

A week in Cologne or Anchorage?

Cologne is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Cologne is in Europe and Anchorage is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Anchorage?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

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 Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Anchorage. Many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cologne is a little warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Anchorage. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In October, Cologne is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Cologne or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the winter. The weather in Cologne can be very cold. Cologne is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the spring, Cologne is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Cologne