A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cologne vs. Beaune for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cologne or Beaune?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Beaune? 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 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.

Beaune

Beaune is a quaint, vineyard-filled, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Beaune?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne. Although Cologne and Beaune are both popular with visitors, Cologne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cologne is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Beaune is known for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Cologne is popular 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. Beaune is popular for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Beaune.

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.

Many visitors head to Beaune specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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

Beaune is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Beaune is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Cologne know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Cologne or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Beaune is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Beaune offers plenty to see. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Beaune?

Cologne is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Cologne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Cologne or Beaune Better for Christmas?

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

Cologne is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Beaune does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Beaune Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is terrific for its Christmas markets. However, Beaune 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.

Beaune does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Beaune Better for Families?

Cologne is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cologne is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Cologne or Beaune Better for Couples?

Beaune is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Beaune makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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 Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Cologne or Beaune Better for Students?

Cologne is a great destination for students. However, Beaune is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is terrific for its public transit. Also, Beaune 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 Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Cologne or Beaune a more walkable city?

Beaune is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Beaune Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Cologne or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beaune due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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

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

Cologne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Beaune, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town 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 Beaune?

Cologne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Beaune, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaune has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Beaune?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Beaune is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Beaune?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun big city of Cologne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaune. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Beaune. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Beaune, we can see that Beaune 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Beaune?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

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 Beaune in the Summer?

Both Beaune and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cologne is generally cooler than Beaune. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 19°C (66°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Beaune. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Beaune. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Beaune in the Autumn?

Both Beaune and Cologne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

Cologne is around the same temperature as Beaune in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Beaune fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Beaune. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Beaune in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Beaune. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beaune. It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. In the winter, Cologne is around the same temperature as Beaune. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cologne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Beaune averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaune. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Beaune in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Beaune. Many travelers come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Beaune in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Cologne is generally cooler than Beaune. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 10°C (50°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Beaune. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Beaune and Cologne