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

Should you visit Dover or Cologne?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Cologne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne. Although Dover and Cologne are popular destinations, Cologne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cologne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Dover attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cologne is more touristy than Dover and is known 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. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Dover different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cologne and Dover. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dover or Cologne?

Cologne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Foodies will find both Dover and Cologne both to be nice destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dover area. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

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 Dover or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Cologne offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

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

Cologne offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Cologne Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Cologne?

Cologne is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Dover 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.

Dover does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Dover or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas markets. However, Dover does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to Cologne specifically for the 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.

Dover does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Dover or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Dover or Cologne Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Cologne are nice destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Dover or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is a well-known place for students. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Cologne can get you around easily. 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 mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Dover?

How long in Dover or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Cologne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Cologne. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

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

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

In Dover, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Cologne?

In Dover, you'll find museums and food. 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 Dover has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Cologne?

Dover 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.

Cologne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Cologne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Dover. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the fun big city of Cologne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Cologne, 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 Dover or Cologne?

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 Dover or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Cologne. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Dover is around the same temperature as Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Cologne. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Cologne. The autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

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

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets more rain in October than Cologne. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In January, Dover is generally a little warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Cologne. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Dover is cooler than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Dover