A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Kiel vs. Bremen for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Kiel or Bremen?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Bremen? 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 waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bremen

Bremen is a colorful, lively, and historic city. 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 Bremen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Kiel or Bremen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kiel than Bremen. While Bremen is larger than Kiel, Kiel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kiel is more popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Bremen is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, 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. Bremen is popular for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany.

How is Kiel different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kiel
Bremen

Bremen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Bremen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. 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.


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

Kiel
Bremen

Both Kiel and Bremen offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. 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)

Bremen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Kiel or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Kiel
Bremen

Bremen is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Bremen is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Kiel or Bremen Better for Beaches?

Kiel
Bremen

Kiel is very good for the beach. However, Bremen is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Bremen is not a beach destination.


Is Kiel or Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Kiel
Bremen

Bremen is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Bremen can be explored in its historical center. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Bremen?

Kiel
Bremen

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

Bremen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

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 Bremen Better for Families?

Kiel
Bremen

Bremen is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bremen is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. 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.


Is Kiel or Bremen Better for Couples?

Kiel
Bremen

With fun activities for couples, both Kiel and Bremen make for a good place to visit.

Kiel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Bremen is a good city for couples to visit. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

Is Kiel or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kiel
Bremen

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

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 Bremen Better for Students?

Kiel
Bremen

Kiel is very good for students. However, Bremen is not popular with students.

Kiel is a good city to visit for students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Bremen is not popular with students.


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

Kiel
Bremen

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

Bremen has some very good public transit options. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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

Is Kiel or Bremen a more walkable city?

Kiel
Bremen

Bremen is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Bremen on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Kiel or Bremen. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bremen 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 Bremen.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kiel or Bremen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kiel 1-3 
    Bremen 2-4

One day in Kiel or Bremen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kiel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bremen. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bremen?

Kiel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bremen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bremen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bremen. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Bremen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Kiel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful city of Bremen offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 2-Week Tours from Berlin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bremen or Kiel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kiel is €138, while the average daily cost in Bremen is €147. 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 Kiel and Bremen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kiel 67
    Bremen 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kiel 134
    Bremen 152
Compare Hotels in Kiel and Bremen

Looking for a hotel in Kiel or Bremen? 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 Kiel


Hotels in Bremen


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: Kiel Hotel Prices and Bremen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kiel 54
    Bremen 45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $119
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $238
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $655

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $95
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $236
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $177
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Kiel or Bremen?

Prices for flights to both Bremen and Kiel 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
    Kiel 39
    Bremen 36

Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kiel 19
    Bremen 34

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $17
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $75
  • City Highlights Express Walking Tour with a Local: $93
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $98
  • Private Sightseeing Tour 1,5 hours Lindau Island Lake Constance: $141

Tours and Activities in Bremen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bremen are as follows:

  • Exploration Game & City Tour on your Phone: $6.46
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.60
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.55
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Centre Walking Tour: $8.58
  • Public Tour of the Town Hall in English: $9.77
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour in Bremen : $11
  • Guided Walking Tour of Böttcherstraße: $13
  • Night Watchman Guided Tour for Children (in German): $13
  • Guided Tour of City Center: $13
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $15
  • Walking Tour of Historic Schnoor District: $16
  • Walking Tour in German with Night Guard: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kiel 12
    Bremen 34

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

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

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $23


When comparing the travel costs between Kiel and Bremen, we can see that Bremen 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 Bremen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kiel or Bremen?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Bremen. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bremen for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kiel is around the same temperature as Bremen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiel in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Bremen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kiel usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Bremen. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kiel 16°C (61°F) 
    Bremen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Bremen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Bremen. Many travelers come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bremen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kiel is generally around the same temperature as Bremen. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 10°C (50°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in October than Bremen. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kiel 10°C (50°F) 
    Bremen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Bremen in the Winter?

Both Bremen and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kiel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bremen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bremen can be very cold during winter. Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. Kiel is much colder than Bremen in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Bremen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Kiel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives more rain than Bremen. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kiel 0°C (33°F) 
    Bremen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Kiel or Bremen in the Spring?

Both Bremen and Kiel during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bremen because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kiel is cooler than Bremen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiel in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Bremen averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kiel 7°C (44°F) 
    Bremen 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Bremen and Kiel

Kiel Bremen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)