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

Should you visit Kiel or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Saint-Etienne? 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Saint-Etienne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kiel than Saint-Etienne. Kiel is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kiel is better known for its food, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kiel is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Kiel different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Kiel and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Kiel or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kiel is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kiel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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)

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Kiel or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Kiel or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

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

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Saint-Etienne?

Kiel is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kiel. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Kiel or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kiel or Saint-Etienne.

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.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Kiel or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Kiel is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Kiel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Kiel or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Kiel is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Kiel or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Kiel and Saint-Etienne both are notable when exploring on foot.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Kiel Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Saint-Etienne?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kiel than Saint-Etienne 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 Kiel.

One day in Kiel or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the waterfront destination of Kiel. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

A weekend in Kiel or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Kiel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Kiel. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The historic city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife 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 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 Saint-Etienne, we can see that Kiel is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Saint-Etienne?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Kiel during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Kiel is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kiel. In the summer, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Saint-Etienne. The autumn months attract visitors to Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In the autumn, Kiel is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

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

In October, Kiel usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kiel or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Saint-Etienne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

Kiel usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

Kiel is much colder than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Kiel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne during spring. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kiel usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Kiel