A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cologne vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Old Town

Should you visit Cologne or Nice?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Nice? 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. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Cologne and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its museums, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Nice is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Cologne and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Cologne is popular 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.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cologne. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Cologne is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Cologne is not a resort destination.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is well known for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Nice?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nice and Cologne.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for Christmas?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Nice does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a world class destination during the Christmas season. 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.

Nice does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas markets. However, Nice does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to Cologne specifically to enjoy its famous Christmas markets. 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.

Nice does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for Families?

Cologne is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Nice are good 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.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Cologne or Nice Better for Students?

Cologne is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Cologne. 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is renowned for its public transit. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Cologne has a great public transit system. 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.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Is Cologne or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Nice?

In either Cologne or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Cologne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Nice. 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 Nice than Cologne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice than Cologne 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 Nice.

One day in Cologne or Nice?

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 Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

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 Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cologne or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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.

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cologne or Nice?

The vibrant 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 Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Nice?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Nice. Many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cologne is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 19°C (66°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Nice. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cologne is cooler than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

The weather in Cologne can be very cold. In the winter, Cologne is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cologne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Cologne usually receives less rain than Nice. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cologne is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 10°C (50°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Cologne