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

Should you visit Kiel or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Budapest? 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 off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Kiel. Budapest is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is more popular for its food and beaches. Budapest is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. 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 Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kiel is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kiel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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)

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Kiel or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for Beaches?

Kiel is very good for the beache. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is well known for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Budapest?

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

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kiel or Budapest.

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.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Kiel or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

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

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Kiel or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Budapest?

In either Kiel or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

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

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

One day in Kiel or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a authentic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budapest?

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 bustling city of Budapest offers museums and nightlife. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kiel or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Kiel during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kiel is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kiel. In the summer, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Budapest. Many travelers come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kiel is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kiel usually receives more rain than Budapest. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kiel or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Budapest. Many visitors come to Kiel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kiel is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Kiel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during spring. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kiel usually receives more rain than Budapest. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Kiel