A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiel vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Aix-en-Provence? 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Kiel and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kiel than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kiel is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also home to The Kiel Castle. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Kiel different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Kiel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Kiel and Aix-en-Provence.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Kiel or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Kiel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Kiel or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kiel. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Kiel or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Is Kiel or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable town. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Kiel Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Kiel or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Couples should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Kiel. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aix-en-Provence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Kiel 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 Aix-en-Provence.

One day in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

The maritime destination of Kiel offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Kiel offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Aix-en-Provence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

Kiel is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The historic town of Aix-en-Provence offers museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Kiel and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence 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 Kiel Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Kiel or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Kiel or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kiel is cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiel in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Kiel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Kiel is generally much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 10°C (50°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Kiel is much colder than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Aix-en-Provence. The spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In the spring, Kiel is much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiel in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Aix-en-Provence. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Kiel