A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cologne vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Cologne and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cologne than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cologne is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Cologne and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. 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.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Cologne is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cologne is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is very good for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Cologne is great for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Cologne is known to be 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly destination. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Plitvice Lakes National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Cologne is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot is easy. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cologne than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Cologne is a fun place to experience. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Cologne. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The colorful city of Cologne offers nightlife and food. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cologne is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cologne is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Cologne is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cologne is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Cologne