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

Should you visit Kiel or Kilkenny?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Kilkenny? 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a fascinating, active, and ancient town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Kilkenny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Kilkenny is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kiel different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

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 Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

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 Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Kiel or Kilkenny Better for Beaches?

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

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Kilkenny?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kiel or Kilkenny Better for Families?

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

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

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 Kilkenny Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

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 Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

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 Kilkenny Better for Students?

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

Kiel is popular with students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through town.

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

Is Kiel or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kiel or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kiel than Kilkenny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

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

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

One day in Kiel or Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Kilkenny?

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.

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Kilkenny. This town 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 Kilkenny?

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 medieval town of Kilkenny 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 in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Kilkenny?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Kilkenny, 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 Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny in the Summer?

Both Kilkenny and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences.

Kiel is around the same temperature as Kilkenny in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Kiel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kiel is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Kilkenny in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Kilkenny. Many visitors come to Kiel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Kilkenny during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Kilkenny. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty.

Kiel is cooler than Kilkenny in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kilkenny. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Kiel