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

Should you visit Cologne or Calais?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Calais? 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cologne and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Calais. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Calais attracts visitors for its beaches. Cologne is more touristy than Calais and is known 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. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Calais 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 Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a popular place for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for its Old Town?

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

Cologne offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Calais?

Cologne is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Calais does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Cologne is not to be missed. 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.

Calais does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas markets. However, Calais does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make Cologne very popular during this season. 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.

Calais does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for Families?

Cologne is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cologne is known to be 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Calais 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Cologne or Calais Better for Students?

Cologne is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. 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 Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Cologne or Calais a more walkable city?

Cologne is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Calais?

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

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

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

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Calais?

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 Calais, 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 Calais has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

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 Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Calais, we can see that Cologne 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 Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Calais?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Cologne is around the same temperature as Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Calais during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Calais. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Cologne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Calais. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Calais. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Calais. Many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. In January, Cologne is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives more rain than Calais. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Cologne is a little warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Cologne