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

Should you visit Cologne or Verona?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Verona? 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. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Verona

Verona is a beautiful, stunning, and romantic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Verona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Verona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Verona is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. 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. Verona is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Verona.

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.

Many visitors head to Verona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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

Verona is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Verona is an experience not to be missed. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

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 Verona Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Cologne or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Verona 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 Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

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 Verona?

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

Cologne is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Cologne or Verona Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Verona 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.

Verona does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Verona Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Verona 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.

Verona does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Verona Better for Families?

Cologne is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cologne is very family-friendly. 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Cologne or Verona Better for Couples?

Verona is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Verona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

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 Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Verona 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.

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Cologne or Verona Better for Students?

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

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.

Verona is a good city to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

Is Cologne or Verona 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. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Cologne or Verona a more walkable city?

Cologne and Verona both are high quality 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.

Verona is very walkable. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Verona?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cologne than Verona 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 Verona?

Cologne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Verona, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Verona?

Cologne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Verona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Verona has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Verona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Verona is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant big city of Cologne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Verona. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Verona. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Cologne and Verona, we can see that Verona 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 Verona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Verona?

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

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 Verona in the Summer?

Both Verona and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Verona this time of year.

In July, Cologne is generally cooler than Verona. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 19°C (66°F), and Verona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Verona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Verona. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 286 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Verona. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Verona receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Verona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Verona. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Verona for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cologne is cooler than Verona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Verona fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Verona during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives less rain than Verona. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Verona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Verona. Many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Verona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Verona can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. In the winter, Cologne is a little warmer than Verona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cologne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Verona averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Verona. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 98 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Verona. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Verona receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Verona in the Spring?

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

In April, Cologne is generally cooler than Verona. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 10°C (50°F), and Verona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Verona during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives less rain than Verona. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Verona and Cologne