A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hamburg vs. Kinsale for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Hamburg or Kinsale?

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 Hamburg and Kinsale can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Hamburg and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Hamburg or Kinsale?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kinsale. Although Hamburg and Kinsale are both popular with visitors, Kinsale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kinsale is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hamburg is known for its museums, nightlife, music, and shopping. Hamburg is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Kinsale is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also home to Charles Fort.

How is Hamburg different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hamburg or Kinsale?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.


Is the Food Better in Hamburg or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Kinsale is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Kinsale has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg is great for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Music?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg is an amazing port city to visit for its live music scene. However, Kinsale is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Hamburg. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Kinsale is not a live music destination.


Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Kinsale is a seaside town with a few options for the beach. However, Hamburg is not a beach destination.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Kinsale is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Kinsale is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Hamburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Hamburg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Kinsale?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Hamburg is well-known for its shopping. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Families?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hamburg is very family-friendly. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Both Hamburg and Kinsale are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Kinsale is a nice destination for couples. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.


Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg and Kinsale are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Students?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg is a port city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

Is Hamburg or Kinsale Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Hamburg can get you to some places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.


Is Hamburg or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Hamburg
Kinsale

Hamburg is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

Hamburg is a very walkable port city. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable port city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hamburg or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hamburg than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

Families should spend more time in Hamburg than Kinsale. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hamburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hamburg than Kinsale 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 Hamburg.


  • How many days in Hamburg or Kinsale? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hamburg 1-3 
    Kinsale 1-2

One day in Hamburg or Kinsale?

In Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kinsale is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This seaside town 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 Hamburg or Kinsale?

In Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer.

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kinsale has to offer.


Five days in Hamburg or Kinsale?

Hamburg is a great place to explore. 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.

Kinsale 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 Hamburg or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Since Kinsale is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.


Which place is cheaper, Kinsale or Hamburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hamburg is €117, while the average daily cost in Kinsale is €129. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hamburg and Kinsale in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hamburg 54
    Kinsale 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hamburg 108
    Kinsale 148
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Kinsale

Looking for a hotel in Hamburg or Kinsale? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hamburg


Hotels in Kinsale


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hamburg Hotel Prices and Kinsale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hamburg 29
    Kinsale 17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg Airport(HAM): Transfer to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $645
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $585
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Transfer to Fredericia Cruise Port: $585
  • Private One-Way Transfer to or from Kiel Port: $422
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Berlin, English Speaking Driver: $300
  • Private Direct Transfer From Hamburg to Wolfsburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $271
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers : $267
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $262
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $235
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $234
  • Private Transfer From Hamburg To Bremen With a 2 Hour Stop: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Kinsale?

Prices for flights to both Kinsale and Hamburg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hamburg 35
    Kinsale 46
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hamburg 39
    Kinsale 5.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $69
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $181
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $75
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kinsale.

  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27
  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hamburg 17
    Kinsale 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

Also in Kinsale, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147


When comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Kinsale, we can see that Kinsale 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 Hamburg Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Kinsale?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg and Kinsale, 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 Hamburg or Kinsale?

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 Hamburg or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Hamburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hamburg is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 17°C (62°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Hamburg. In the summer, Hamburg often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets more rain in July than Kinsale. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F) 
    Kinsale 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Kinsale. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hamburg is cooler than Kinsale in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Hamburg usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F) 
    Kinsale 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Kinsale. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hamburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hamburg is much colder than Kinsale. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hamburg in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Kinsale averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kinsale. Hamburg usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F) 
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

In April, Hamburg is generally cooler than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 8°C (46°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Hamburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F) 
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Hamburg

Hamburg Kinsale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)