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

Should you visit Cologne or Dijon?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Dijon? 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Dijon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Dijon. Cologne is bigger than Dijon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Dijon is more popular for its food. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Dijon is well known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Dijon specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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

Dijon 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, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Cologne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Cologne or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Cologne to see the historical 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Dijon?

Cologne is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon 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 Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Cologne or Dijon Better for Christmas?

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

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.

Dijon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Dijon Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Dijon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Dijon Better for Families?

Cologne is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cologne is 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.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Cologne or Dijon Better for Couples?

Dijon is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Dijon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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 Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Dijon 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.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Cologne or Dijon Better for Students?

Cologne is notable for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Cologne is terrific for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Cologne or Dijon a more walkable city?

Cologne is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Cologne or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon 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 Dijon.

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

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Dijon, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Dijon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. 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 Dijon has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Dijon?

Cologne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Cologne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Dijon 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 Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the accessible big city of Cologne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dijon. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Dijon, 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 Dijon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Dijon?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Dijon. The summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

In the summer, Cologne is cooler than Dijon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Dijon averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Cologne or Dijon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Dijon. 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 Dijon 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 Dijon. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

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

Should I visit Cologne or Dijon in the Winter?

Both Dijon and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dijon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. Cologne is around the same temperature as Dijon in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

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

Should I visit Cologne or Dijon in the Spring?

Both Dijon and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cologne is cooler than Dijon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Dijon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Dijon and Cologne