A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiel vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Kiel and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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.

How is Kiel different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kiel and Mont-Saint-Michel offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. 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)

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Kiel is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Kiel is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Kiel is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Kiel is very good for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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

Is Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable island. There are many stunning walks in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kiel than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

One day in Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Kiel, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path city of Kiel, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

Five days in Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the maritime destination of Kiel. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find museums and food around the religious destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Kiel is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The inspiring island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Kiel and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 2910 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Kiel is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kiel is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mont-Saint-Michel. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

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

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

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

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

Kiel is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Kiel