A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiel vs. Bordeaux for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kiel or Bordeaux?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Bordeaux? 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around 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 nightlife.

Kiel and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Bordeaux?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Kiel. Bordeaux is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is more popular for its beaches. Bordeaux is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Kiel different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Kiel and Bordeaux.

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 Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

Is the Food Better in Kiel or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux 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, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Kiel and Bordeaux.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Kiel or Bordeaux Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a popular place for the beache. However, Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Kiel is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a popular place for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kiel or Bordeaux.

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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Kiel or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Bordeaux Better for Students?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Is Kiel or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bordeaux is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Bordeaux has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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

Is Kiel or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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 Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Bordeaux?

In either Kiel or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Kiel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

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

One day in Kiel or Bordeaux?

The city of Kiel offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

Kiel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kiel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Bordeaux?

Kiel is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the romantic destination of Bordeaux. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Kiel or Bordeaux?

Kiel is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The romantic city of Bordeaux offers nightlife 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, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Kiel is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Kiel during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kiel is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Kiel usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Kiel in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Kiel is much colder than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Kiel