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

Should you visit Kiel or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Kotor? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a remote, dramatic, and scenic coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Kiel and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kiel. Although Kiel and Kotor are popular destinations, Kiel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kiel is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also well known for The Kiel Castle. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Kiel different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kiel is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Kiel is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Kiel is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Kiel or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Kiel is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Kiel is not a resort destination.

Is Kiel or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kiel or Kotor Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Kiel and Kotor are nice choices.

Kiel is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Kiel or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is Kiel or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Kotor?

Kiel is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kiel is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kiel or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kiel or Kotor.

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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Kiel or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kotor is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

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

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

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kiel and Kotor.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Kiel or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Kiel or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Kiel or Kotor?

In Kiel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this waterfront destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kiel or Kotor?

Kiel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kiel. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Kiel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Kotor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Kotor?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kiel is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 16°C (61°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Kotor. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor 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. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kiel is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Kotor in the Winter?

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

Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kiel is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiel in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Kiel usually receives less rain than Kotor. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Kotor in the Spring?

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

In April, Kiel is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 7°C (44°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Kiel usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Kiel