A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Cologne vs. Kiel for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Cologne or Kiel?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Kiel? 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront 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 Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Kiel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Kiel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is known for its beaches. Cologne is more touristy than Kiel and is known 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. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Kiel 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 Kiel. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for Beaches?

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

Kiel is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Cologne to see the 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Kiel?

Cologne is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas markets. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for Families?

Cologne is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Kiel make for a good 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.

Kiel is a nice destination for couples. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Cologne or Kiel Better for Students?

Cologne is well known for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Cologne or Kiel a more walkable city?

Cologne is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Kiel?

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

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

Cologne is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Kiel, 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 Kiel?

Cologne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Kiel, 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 Kiel has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Kiel?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the accessible big city of Cologne. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

The colorful city of Cologne offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. 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 Tours for Seniors to Germany, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Munich.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Kiel?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel this time of year.

In July, Cologne is generally a little warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 19°C (66°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives less rain than Kiel. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Cologne is a little warmer than Kiel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Kiel in the Winter?

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

Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. In the winter, Cologne is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cologne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Kiel averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Cologne usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Cologne or Kiel in the Spring?

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

In April, Cologne is generally a little warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 10°C (50°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in April than Kiel. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Cologne