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

Should you visit Cologne or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Sorrento? 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Cologne and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cologne than Sorrento, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cologne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Sorrento is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Sorrento is well known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cologne is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento 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, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Cologne know how to have a good time. 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 Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is well known for its resorts. However, Cologne is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Cologne is not a resort destination.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sorrento has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Sorrento?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sorrento 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 Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for Christmas?

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

Cologne is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Sorrento does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas markets. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cologne or Sorrento.

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.

Sorrento is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Cologne or Sorrento Better for Couples?

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

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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 Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a very popular small city to visit for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Cologne is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is renowned for its public transit. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Sorrento has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Cologne or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Cologne and Sorrento both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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.

Sorrento is very walkable. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Sorrento?

Both Cologne and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Cologne. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento 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 Sorrento.

One day in Cologne or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This small 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento 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 Sorrento has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cologne or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Sorrento?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cologne is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Cologne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cologne is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Sorrento. The winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

The weather in Cologne can be very cold. Cologne is much colder than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cologne usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Sorrento. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Cologne