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

Should you visit Innsbruck or Cologne?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Innsbruck and Cologne can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a outdoorsy, mountainous, and scenic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and skiing.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Innsbruck, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its museums, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Innsbruck is known for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Cologne and is known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. 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.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Innsbruck different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is well known for winter skiing. However, Cologne is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Cologne is not a skiing destination.

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

Cologne is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

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 Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Innsbruck and Cologne.

Innsbruck has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Cologne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Innsbruck or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Innsbruck offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

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 Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Innsbruck. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Cologne?

Cologne is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cologne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Innsbruck does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a fantastic destination at 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.

Innsbruck does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is very popular for its Christmas markets. However, Innsbruck does not offer Christmas markets.

Cologne has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. 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.

Innsbruck does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Families?

Both Innsbruck and Cologne are excellent to visit with kids.

Innsbruck is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cologne. 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.

Is Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Innsbruck frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

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 Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Innsbruck is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

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 Innsbruck or Cologne Better for Students?

Innsbruck and Cologne are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Students come from all over to stay in Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

Many students visit 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.

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

Cologne is very popular for its public transit. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Cologne has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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.

The public transit in Innsbruck can get you to most places easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Is Innsbruck or Cologne a more walkable city?

Innsbruck and Cologne both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Cologne?

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

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

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

One day in Innsbruck or Cologne?

In Innsbruck, you'll find food and skiing. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Innsbruck or Cologne?

In Innsbruck, you'll find skiing and nightlife. 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 Innsbruck has to offer.

People visit Cologne because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Innsbruck or Cologne?

Innsbruck 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Cologne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Innsbruck or Cologne?

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

Cologne is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck 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.