A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiel vs. La Rochelle for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kiel or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Kiel or La Rochelle? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or La Rochelle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Kiel. While Kiel is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Kiel is more popular for its big city activities. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is Kiel different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

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

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 La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Kiel or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Kiel and La Rochelle are notable 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 La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is Kiel or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of La Rochelle can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is Kiel or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

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

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or La Rochelle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Kiel or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kiel or La Rochelle.

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.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Kiel or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle Better for Students?

Kiel and La Rochelle are notable places to visit for students.

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

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is Kiel or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Kiel or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the waterfront city of Kiel. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the maritime destination of Kiel. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 La Rochelle?

The off-the-beaten-path city of Kiel offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or La Rochelle?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Kiel during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Kiel is cooler than La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kiel. In the summer, Kiel often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and La Rochelle. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Kiel is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kiel usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kiel or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiel as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Kiel often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kiel in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Kiel is much colder than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kiel usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Kiel