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

Should you visit Kiel or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Sarajevo? 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 maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path 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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kiel and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than Kiel. Sarajevo is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is more popular for its beaches. Kiel is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is Kiel different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sarajevo has a few options to choose from. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Kiel or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a good destination for the beache. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Sarajevo can be explored in its historical center. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is Kiel or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Sarajevo?

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

Sarajevo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Kiel is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Kiel is a family-friendly city. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Kiel or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Kiel is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Kiel or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sarajevo is a great city to visit for backpackers. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Sarajevo has some very good public transit options. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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

Is Kiel or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Kiel and Sarajevo both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

For even more information, also check out Is Kiel Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kiel and Sarajevo. In our opinion, Sarajevo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sarajevo than Kiel. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Kiel or Sarajevo?

The city of Kiel offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Sarajevo?

Kiel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kiel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarajevo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Sarajevo?

Kiel is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Sarajevo. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Sarajevo?

Kiel is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The cultural city of Sarajevo offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiel and Sarajevo, we can see that Kiel is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo.

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kiel is much colder than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kiel this time of the year. In the summer, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Kiel because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the autumn, Kiel is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kiel in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In October, Kiel usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kiel or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Kiel during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kiel in the winter. In January, Kiel is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 0°C (33°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kiel usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kiel is much colder than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

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

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kiel usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Kiel