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

Should you visit Cologne or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Auxerre? 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 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.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Cologne and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Auxerre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne. Although Cologne and Auxerre are popular destinations, Cologne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cologne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Cologne is more touristy than Auxerre 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. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Auxerre 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 Auxerre. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Cologne or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Cologne or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Auxerre?

Cologne is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cologne or Auxerre Better for Christmas?

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

Auxerre does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Auxerre Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Auxerre Better for Families?

Cologne is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Cologne or Auxerre Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Auxerre make for a nice 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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Cologne or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Cologne or Auxerre Better for Students?

Cologne is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

Is Cologne or Auxerre 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, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Cologne or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Cologne is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cologne or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cologne than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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 Auxerre, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Auxerre?

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 Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. 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 Auxerre has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Auxerre?

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

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 Cologne or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Auxerre. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Auxerre. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

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

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Auxerre. Many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Auxerre. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

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

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Cologne