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

Should you visit Cologne or Boston?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Boston? 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.

Boston

Boston is a classic, proud, and loyal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Cologne and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Boston?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boston than Cologne. While Cologne is larger than Boston, Boston has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boston is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Cologne is more popular for its shopping and christmas markets. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Boston is well known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. Also, Boston is famous for The Freedom Trail.

How is Cologne different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Boston is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Boston on the map. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

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 Cologne or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is well known for its shows and theatre. However, Cologne is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Cologne is not a theatre destination.

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

Boston 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 Boston is an experience not to be missed. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston Better for Nightlife?

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

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Boston for the nightlife scene. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Is Cologne or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Cologne is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Boston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Cologne is not a live music destination.

Is Cologne or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a city with a few options for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

The beach in Boston is worth checking out. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston 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, Boston offers plenty to see. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

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 Boston?

Cologne is notable for shopping. Also, Boston 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 Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Cologne or Boston Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences.

Cologne is a fantastic destination at 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.

Since it has plenty to do, Boston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Is Cologne or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas markets. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for visiting 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.

Many people head to Boston to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Is Cologne or Boston Better for Families?

Boston 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, Boston is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Cologne or Boston Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Boston 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.

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Cologne or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Boston 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.

Boston is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Cologne or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Boston. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Cologne and Boston.

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.

Boston has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

Is Cologne or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston 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 Boston on foot is easy. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

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 Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Boston?

In either Cologne or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Cologne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

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

One day in Cologne or Boston?

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

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

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 Boston, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cologne or Boston?

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.

Boston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cologne or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible 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 Boston. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Boston. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cologne and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Cologne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cologne is in Europe and Boston is in North America, 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 Cologne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cologne 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Cologne.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Boston?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Boston, 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 Boston?

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 Boston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Boston. Most visitors come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cologne is cooler than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Boston. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Boston. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Boston. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Boston. It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. Cologne is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Boston during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives less rain than Boston. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cologne is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Boston. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Boston and Cologne