A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cologne vs. Cesky Krumlov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cologne or Cesky Krumlov?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Cesky Krumlov? 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.

Where Should I go: Cologne or Cesky Krumlov?

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov or Cologne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €161, while the average daily cost in Cesky Krumlov is €58. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cologne and Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cologne 91
    Cesky Krumlov 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cologne 182
    Cesky Krumlov 70
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Cologne or Cesky Krumlov? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cologne


Hotels in Cesky Krumlov


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cologne Hotel Prices and Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cologne 19
    Cesky Krumlov 2.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
  • Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
  • Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov

Also for Cesky Krumlov, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $122
  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Cologne or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov and Cologne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cologne 50
    Cesky Krumlov 20
Typical Food Prices in Cologne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:


  • Dinner
    14
  • Donner Kebab
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.

  • Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $481

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cologne 20
    Cesky Krumlov 6.12

Tours and Activities in Cologne

Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 120min - Cologne City Tour: $158
  • 3-Hour Cologne Street Art Bike Tour in Small Group with Guide: $44
  • 3-Hour Murder Mystery Interactive City Walking Tour in Köln: $75
  • 5 Hours Cologne to Aachen Train Tour in Germany: $63
  • Aachen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $231
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Aachen old town tour - GERMAN (public): $13
  • Amusing Stories of Cologne Walking Tour: $13
  • Awesome Sites of Cologne – Private Family Walking Tour: $395
  • Beethoven and Bonn Highlights Tour from Cologne by Car: $840
  • Best of Cologne in 1-Day Private Guided Tour with Transport: $438

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

For Cesky Krumlov, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Český Krumlov Free Tour: $20
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $60
  • 2,5h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $71
  • Český Krumlov Private Walking Tour: $85
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $85
  • Český Krumlov 20th century tour: $85
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $93
  • Enchanting Český Krumlov Walking Tour: Echoes of the Past: $95
  • Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Walking private guided tour in Cesky Krumlov with local certified guide: $174

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cologne 23
    Cesky Krumlov 3.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:

  • Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
  • Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $18
  • Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
  • Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
  • Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
  • South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $29
  • Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cologne or Cesky Krumlov?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Cesky Krumlov. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cologne is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cesky Krumlov. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Cesky Krumlov. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 227 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in July than Cesky Krumlov. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cologne 19°C (66°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 108 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesky Krumlov. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cologne 12°C (54°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Cologne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Cesky Krumlov can be very cold. Cologne can be very cold during winter. Cologne is much warmer than Cesky Krumlov in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 44 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Cesky Krumlov. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cologne 3°C (37°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Cesky Krumlov. The spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cologne is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cesky Krumlov. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cologne 10°C (50°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Cologne

Cologne Cesky Krumlov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)