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

Should you visit Kinsale or Reims?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Reims can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale and Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Kinsale or Reims?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kinsale. Although Kinsale and Reims are both popular with visitors, Kinsale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kinsale is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Reims is known for its nightlife and shopping. Kinsale is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also home to Charles Fort. Reims is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Kinsale different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reims and Kinsale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kinsale or Reims?

Kinsale
Reims

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kinsale and Reims.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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 Kinsale or Reims? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale
Reims

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kinsale and Reims can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Eat your way through Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Kinsale or Reims Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale
Reims

Reims is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Reims Better for Beaches?

Kinsale
Reims

Kinsale is a seaside town with a few options for the beach. However, Reims is not a beach destination.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Reims is not a beach destination.


Is Kinsale or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale
Reims

Kinsale is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is Kinsale or Reims Better for Hiking?

Kinsale
Reims

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Reims is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Reims is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Reims?

Kinsale
Reims

Reims is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.


Is Kinsale or Reims Better for Families?

Kinsale
Reims

Kinsale 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 Kinsale. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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 Kinsale or Reims Better for Couples?

Kinsale
Reims

Reims is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Reims is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Kinsale or Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale
Reims

For backpackers, both Kinsale and Reims are good places to visit.

Kinsale is a good seaside town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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


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

Kinsale
Reims

Reims is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Reims a more walkable city?

Kinsale
Reims

Reims is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town 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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Kinsale Worth Visiting? and Is Reims Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reims or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Reims?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Reims than Kinsale. 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 Kinsale 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.


  • How many days in Kinsale or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kinsale 1-2 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Kinsale or Reims?

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Reims, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Kinsale or Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Reims, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reims has to offer.

Five days in Kinsale or Reims?

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Reims is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reims has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Kinsale or Reims?

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims or Kinsale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kinsale is €129, while the average daily cost in Reims is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kinsale and Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kinsale 74
    Reims 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kinsale 148
    Reims 132
Compare Hotels in Kinsale and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Kinsale or Reims? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kinsale


Hotels in Reims


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kinsale Hotel Prices and Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kinsale 17
    Reims 39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Kinsale or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims and Kinsale change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kinsale 46
    Reims 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kinsale 5.00
    Reims 19

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kinsale.

  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27
  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $43

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kinsale 16
    Reims 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

Also in Kinsale, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147


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


Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Reims?

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 Kinsale or Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Reims. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Reims because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kinsale is cooler than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kinsale in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. In the summer, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Reims. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reims. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kinsale 16°C (60°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In October, Kinsale is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 11°C (52°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Reims during autumn. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Reims. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kinsale 11°C (52°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Reims in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reims. Kinsale is much warmer than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Kinsale often gets more sunshine than Reims. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. Kinsale usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Reims in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Reims. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kinsale is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kinsale in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Reims during spring. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Reims. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Kinsale

Kinsale Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)


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