A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiel vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Kiel or Hvar?

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

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

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Kiel and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Kiel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is more popular for its big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. 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 Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Hvar is a world class party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and 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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kiel or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is well known for the beache. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

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

Is Kiel or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Hvar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hvar and Kiel.

Kiel offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Kiel or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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 Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Kiel is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

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

Is Kiel or Hvar a more walkable city?

Kiel and Hvar both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

For even more information, also check out Is Kiel Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Hvar?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kiel or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kiel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Hvar?

Kiel 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.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the waterfront destination of Kiel. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the energetic destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Hvar?

The waterfront city of Kiel 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.

The vibrant island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Hvar?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Hvar. Many visitors come to Kiel in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kiel is much colder than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Hvar. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kiel is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Kiel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

The weather in Kiel can be very cold. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives less rain than Hvar. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Kiel during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Kiel is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Kiel