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

Should you visit Kiel or Paris?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Paris? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Kiel and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Kiel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kiel attracts visitors for its beaches. Paris is more touristy than Kiel and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Kiel different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris 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 Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Kiel or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Kiel is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Kiel is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a world class party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Kiel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Kiel is not a live music destination.

Is Kiel or Paris Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

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

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Paris?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Kiel does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Kiel does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Kiel or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around 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 Paris Better for Students?

Paris is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Kiel or Paris a more walkable city?

Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily 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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Paris?

Both Kiel and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Kiel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Kiel or Paris?

In Kiel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path 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.

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Paris?

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.

Paris is a fun place to experience. 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 Paris?

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.

Paris is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Kiel or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the maritime 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.

Paris is a energetic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiel and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Kiel much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kiel would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kiel 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Kiel.

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris 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 city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In July, Kiel is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 16°C (61°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kiel. In the summer, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Paris. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Paris. 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 Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kiel is cooler than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Paris during autumn. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kiel usually receives more rain than Paris. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kiel or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Paris. Many travelers come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. In the winter, Kiel is much colder than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiel in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Paris. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in January than Paris. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris 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 Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Kiel is generally much colder than Paris. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 7°C (44°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kiel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during spring. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kiel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Kiel