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

Should you visit Kiel or Reims?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Reims? 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Reims

Reims is a cultural, beautiful, and relaxing city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Reims?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kiel than Reims, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kiel is more popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Reims is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also home to The Kiel Castle.

How is Kiel different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Kiel and Reims.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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, Reims is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Kiel or Reims Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Reims is not a beach destination.

Kiel has a beach worth visiting. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Reims is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Reims?

Reims is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Reims is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known 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, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Kiel or Reims Better for Couples?

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

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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 Reims Better for Students?

Kiel is a nice place to visit for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

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

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Reims 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 Reims, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

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

Is Kiel or Reims a more walkable city?

Reims 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.

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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 Reims Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reims or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Reims?

In either Kiel or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Kiel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Kiel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

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

One day in Kiel or Reims?

In Kiel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

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.

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

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the off-the-beaten-path 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.

The relaxing city of Reims offers nightlife and food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Kiel and Reims, we can see that Kiel 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 Reims Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Reims?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kiel is cooler than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiel in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Reims. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Reims. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Kiel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Kiel is generally cooler than Reims. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 10°C (50°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Reims. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Reims in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Reims. Most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Reims can be very cold. Kiel can be very cold during winter. Kiel is much colder than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

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

In January, Kiel usually receives more rain than Reims. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Reims in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Reims. The spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In the spring, Kiel is cooler than Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiel in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reims and Kiel