A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiel vs. Saint-Tropez for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Kiel or Saint-Tropez?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Saint-Tropez? 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a extravagant, luxurious, and glamourous resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Kiel and Saint-Tropez: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Saint-Tropez, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Saint-Tropez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kiel is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Kiel and Saint-Tropez 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)

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Kiel or Saint-Tropez Better for Nightlife?

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

Saint-Tropez is a world class party destination. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Kiel is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Saint-Tropez is a great choice. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Kiel is not a resort destination.

Is Kiel or Saint-Tropez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Saint-Tropez a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kiel or Saint-Tropez Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is well known for the beache. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Saint-Tropez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Saint-Tropez?

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez make it a world-class shopping destination. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez 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, Saint-Tropez is a very family-friendly destination. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Couples?

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

Saint-Tropez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Students?

Kiel is a popular place for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Tropez 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-Tropez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

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

Is Kiel or Saint-Tropez a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Saint-Tropez on foot is easy. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Kiel or Saint-Tropez?

It's fun to spend time in either Kiel or Saint-Tropez. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

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

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

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

One day in Kiel or Saint-Tropez?

In Kiel, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this maritime city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Kiel is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint-Tropez is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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-Tropez?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Kiel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 shopping and nightlife around the celebrity-filled destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Saint-Tropez?

Kiel is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The glamourous resort town of Saint-Tropez offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Saint-Tropez?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Saint-Tropez, 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-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez in the Summer?

Both Saint-Tropez and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year.

Kiel is cooler than Saint-Tropez in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Tropez during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Saint-Tropez. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Saint-Tropez and Kiel during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kiel is much colder than Saint-Tropez. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 205 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Tropez. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Saint-Tropez. Many travelers come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Saint-Tropez. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Tropez during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives less rain than Saint-Tropez. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Saint-Tropez. Many visitors come to Kiel in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Kiel is much colder than Saint-Tropez in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. In the spring, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 245 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Tropez. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Tropez and Kiel