A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koblenz vs. Carcassonne for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koblenz or Carcassonne?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koblenz and Carcassonne. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koblenz

Koblenz is a charming, vibrant, and dynamic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Koblenz and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Koblenz or Carcassonne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koblenz. Although Koblenz and Carcassonne are popular destinations, Koblenz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koblenz is very popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Koblenz is famous for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for The Fortress of Ehrenbreitstein. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Koblenz different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koblenz or Carcassonne?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Koblenz. Most visitors head to the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached by chairlift. Also make sure you visit the Forum Confluentes, the State Museum, the Romanticum, and the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum.


Is the Food Better in Koblenz or Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Koblenz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is large enough to have a diversity of restaurants that serve everything from local German specialties to other European dishes. If you want to enjoy some regional cuisine, try the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef), Döppekooche (potato cakes), or locally brewed beer.

Is Koblenz or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

Koblenz is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Koblenz. It's a smaller city, but there are still pubs around town that attract a crowd. Enjoy the local beer and chat with the locals on a relaxing night out.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Koblenz or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

Visitors enjoy the nice old town areas in both Koblenz and Carcassonne.

Many people head to Koblenz to see the old town. The old town is fun to explore with its beautiful churches and quaint ice cream shops.

Carcassonne has an old town worth visiting. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.


Is the Shopping Better in Koblenz or Carcassonne?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

Koblenz is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Koblenz. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Koblenz or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

For families, Koblenz is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy the chairlift across the river that leads to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It's also fun to take a stroll along the river, grab ice cream in old town, and play at one of the parks around town.

Is Koblenz or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

Koblenz is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Koblenz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Seeped in romantic walks and historic buildings, couples will enjoy visiting this beautiful German town. Sip Reisling at one of the many restaurants or wander through the quaint old town.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Koblenz or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is well known for backpackers. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koblenz. There are a few affordable accommodation options around town. Food is reasonably priced as well so backpackers can enjoy a visit without breaking the bank.

Is Koblenz or Carcassonne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koblenz and Carcassonne.

You'll find some public transit in Koblenz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the major routes around town. There's also a cable car that takes you up to the fortress.

While Carcassonne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Koblenz or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Koblenz
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Koblenz is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay in the old town, you'll have no trouble walking around, but the train station is a good distance from the old town.


For even more information, also check out Is Koblenz Worth Visiting? and Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Koblenz?

How long in Koblenz or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koblenz or Carcassonne to fill your time. In our opinion, Carcassonne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Carcassonne than Koblenz. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koblenz than Carcassonne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koblenz that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than Koblenz 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 Carcassonne.


  • How many days in Koblenz or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koblenz 1-2 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Koblenz or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic city of Koblenz. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Koblenz or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Koblenz. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carcassonne has to offer.

Five days in Koblenz or Carcassonne?

The accessible city of Koblenz offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Koblenz or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Koblenz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Koblenz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Koblenz is €124, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is €106. 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 Koblenz and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koblenz 67
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koblenz 134
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in Koblenz and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Koblenz or Carcassonne? 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 Koblenz


Hotels in Carcassonne


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: Koblenz Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koblenz 42
    Carcassonne 7.14

Is it cheaper to fly into Koblenz or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Koblenz 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
    Koblenz 28
    Carcassonne 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koblenz 30
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in Koblenz

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

  • Bochum Private Guided Walking Tour With A Professional Guide : $282
  • Cochem 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $15
  • Cochem Evening Panorama Cruise : $27
  • Cochem Private Guided Walking Tour: $247
  • Essen Private Guided Walking Tour: $271
  • Koblenz - Guided tour of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: $330
  • Koblenz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $224
  • Koblenz private guided city tour: $403
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine: $20
  • Christmas Boat Tour with Mulled Wine: $21
  • Historical Sparkling Wine Museum Guided Tour: $20
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koblenz 7.79
    Carcassonne 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Koblenz

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

  • Private wine tasting meets Bulli in the Ruhr area: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koblenz and Carcassonne, we can see that Koblenz is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Koblenz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koblenz than you might in Carcassonne.

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


Which is Bigger, Koblenz or Carcassonne?

Koblenz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Koblenz and Carcassonne, 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 Koblenz or Carcassonne?

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 Koblenz or Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koblenz as well as Carcassonne. The summer months attract visitors to Koblenz because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In July, Koblenz is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Koblenz average around 19°C (66°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. In the summer, Koblenz often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Koblenz gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Koblenz gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koblenz 19°C (66°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Koblenz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Koblenz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Koblenz is cooler than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koblenz averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Koblenz usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Koblenz gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Koblenz usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Koblenz gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koblenz 12°C (53°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Koblenz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Koblenz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Koblenz. In the winter, Koblenz is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koblenz in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Koblenz often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Koblenz gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Carcassonne. Koblenz gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koblenz 3°C (37°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koblenz and Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Koblenz in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Koblenz is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Koblenz average around 10°C (50°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Koblenz usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Koblenz gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koblenz usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Koblenz gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koblenz 10°C (50°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Koblenz

Koblenz Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)