A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Kinsale for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Interlaken 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 Interlaken and Kinsale can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a charming, quaint, and picturesque seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Interlaken and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Kinsale and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Kinsale is famous for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort.

How is Interlaken different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Kinsale Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing. However, Kinsale is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Kinsale is not a skiing destination.

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

Kinsale is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Kinsale is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kinsale is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Kinsale. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for hiking. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Kinsale offers some nice hiking trails. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Kinsale?

Kinsale is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Kinsale Better for Families?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Kinsale is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Interlaken or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Kinsale are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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

Is Interlaken or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Interlaken and Kinsale are nice when it comes to walkability.

Interlaken is somewhat walkable. The old town is relatively walkable.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

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

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Kinsale?

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

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kinsale, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Kinsale?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

Five days in Interlaken or Kinsale?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale, a popular seaside town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Kinsale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Kinsale, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Kinsale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kinsale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kinsale 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Kinsale.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Kinsale?

Interlaken has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Kinsale?

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 Interlaken or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Kinsale. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is a little warmer than Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Kinsale. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

In October, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. Interlaken is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. In January, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Interlaken 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 the spring, Interlaken is a little warmer than Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Kinsale. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Interlaken