Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Kiel?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kiel or Gdansk?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kiel or Gdansk? 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.
Where Should I go: Kiel or Gdansk?
Kiel
Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.
Gdansk
Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.
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 in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiel €138Gdansk €51
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiel is €138, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is €51. 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 Gdansk in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiel €67Gdansk €25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiel €134Gdansk €50
Compare Hotels in Kiel and Gdansk
Looking for a hotel in Kiel or Gdansk? 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.
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 Gdansk Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiel €54Gdansk €7.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
- Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
- Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:
- Alle Taxi - Airport Transfer Gdansk: $36
- Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Luxury Car: $56
- Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Minivan: $39
- Bubble Football with Hotel Transfers: $60
- Departure Private Transfer: Gdansk City to Gdansk Airport GDN by Minivan: $39
- From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Sta: $36
- From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Star: $58
- From Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour with Transfer: $192
- Gdansk Airport (GDN) Private Transfer to City Center Gdansk: $44
- Gdansk Airport - Gdynia City Private Transfer: $56
- Gdansk Airport - Sopot Private Transfer: $53
- Gdansk Airport One-Way Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiel or Gdansk?
Prices for flights to both Gdansk 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
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Food Meals for one dayKiel €39Gdansk €19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.
- Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
- 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
- Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
- Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
- Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
- Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
- Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiel €19Gdansk €7.62
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: $6.54
- 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: $16
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
- City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
- Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
- Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97
Tours and Activities in Gdansk
Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Gdańsk: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
- Gdańsk: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
- Discover Gdansk! - €5 Walking Tour: $5.46
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $6.31
- Gdańsk: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $6.42
- Gdansk Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Individual Sightseeing Tour with Audio Guide: $7.43
- Gdańsk: Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $14
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
- Gorgeous Gdansk Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Gdańsk : Catamaran River Cruise (group): $17
- Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiel €12Gdansk €4.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:
- Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
- Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
- Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiel and Gdansk, we can see that Kiel is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk 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 Gdansk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kiel Expensive? and Is Gdansk Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiel or Gdansk?
Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?
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 Gdansk in the Summer?
Both Gdansk 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.
In the summer, Kiel is around the same temperature as Gdansk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiel in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Gdansk averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Gdansk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiel 16°C (61°F)Gdansk 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Kiel or Gdansk in the Autumn?
Both Gdansk 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.
In October, Kiel is generally a little warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 10°C (50°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the autumn, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun.
Kiel usually gets more rain in October than Gdansk. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKiel 10°C (50°F)Gdansk 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Kiel or Gdansk in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Gdansk. Most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Gdansk can be very cold. Kiel can be very cold during winter. Kiel is much warmer than Gdansk in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
Kiel usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kiel usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKiel 0°C (33°F)Gdansk -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Kiel or Gdansk in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Gdansk. The spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Kiel is a little warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiel in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Gdansk averages at about 6°C (43°F).
In the spring, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun.
Kiel usually gets more rain in April than Gdansk. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiel 7°C (44°F)Gdansk 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Gdansk and Kiel
| Kiel | Gdansk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (33°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (38°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 11°C (53°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 68 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) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.