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

Should you visit Cologne or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Limerick? 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 accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Limerick?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Limerick. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is more touristy than Limerick and is popular 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. Limerick is famous for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Limerick 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 Limerick. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Cologne or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Cologne has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Cologne or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Cologne has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Limerick?

Cologne is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Cologne or Limerick Better for Christmas?

Cologne is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Limerick does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Cologne. 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.

Limerick does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Limerick Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Limerick Better for Families?

Cologne is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cologne. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Cologne or Limerick Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Limerick 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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Cologne or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Cologne or Limerick Better for Students?

Cologne is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Cologne is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Cologne or Limerick a more walkable city?

Cologne is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cologne or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cologne than Limerick because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Limerick.

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

Cologne is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Limerick, 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 Limerick?

Cologne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cologne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Limerick, 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 Limerick has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Limerick?

Cologne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

Cologne is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Limerick. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Limerick. 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Limerick?

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

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 Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.

Cologne is a little warmer than Limerick in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Cologne often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Limerick. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Limerick. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cologne is around the same temperature as Limerick. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Limerick averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Cologne usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives less rain than Limerick. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Limerick. Many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cologne is generally much colder than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Limerick. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

Cologne is a little warmer than Limerick in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Cologne