A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Koblenz vs. Kiel for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Koblenz or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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 vibrant, dynamic, and accessible city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Koblenz and Kiel: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Koblenz or Kiel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kiel than Koblenz. Kiel is bigger than Koblenz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kiel is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Koblenz is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Koblenz is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards. 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 Koblenz different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Koblenz
Kiel

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Koblenz and Kiel.

Koblenz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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 Koblenz or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Koblenz
Kiel

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koblenz and Kiel can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koblenz. 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.

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 Koblenz or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Koblenz
Kiel

Kiel is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Koblenz doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Is Koblenz or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Koblenz
Kiel

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

Koblenz is not a beach destination.


Is Koblenz or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Koblenz
Kiel

Koblenz is a popular place for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Koblenz or Kiel?

Koblenz
Kiel

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kiel and Koblenz.

Koblenz offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

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 Koblenz or Kiel Better for Families?

Koblenz
Kiel

Kiel 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 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.

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 Kiel Better for Couples?

Koblenz
Kiel

Koblenz is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Koblenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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 Koblenz or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koblenz
Kiel

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

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.

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 Koblenz or Kiel Better for Students?

Koblenz
Kiel

Kiel is a good destination for students. However, Koblenz is not popular with students.

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

Koblenz is not popular with students.


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

Koblenz
Kiel

Koblenz 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 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.

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

Is Koblenz or Kiel a more walkable city?

Koblenz
Kiel

Koblenz and Kiel both are notable when exploring on foot.

Koblenz is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Koblenz?

How long in Koblenz or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koblenz and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kiel than in Koblenz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Koblenz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

Families should spend more time in Kiel than Koblenz. 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 Koblenz than Kiel. 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 Koblenz 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 Koblenz.


  • How many days in Koblenz or Kiel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koblenz 1-2 
    Kiel 1-3

One day in Koblenz or Kiel?

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

In Kiel, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Kiel?

Koblenz 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.

In Kiel, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Kiel has to offer.

Five days in Koblenz or Kiel?

You'll find shopping and museums around the accessible destination of Koblenz. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

The charming city of Koblenz offers museums and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel 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 Kiel is €138. 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 Kiel in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Koblenz or Kiel? 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 Kiel


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 Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koblenz 42
    Kiel 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $117
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $117
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $234
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $642
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $78
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Koblenz or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel 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
    Kiel 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koblenz 30
    Kiel 19

Tours and Activities in Koblenz

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

  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.98
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Old Town Sightseeing Cruise along the Rhine: $15
  • Cochem 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $15
  • Sightseeing Shippingtour around Koblenz: $16
  • Rhine Valley Castles and Palaces Boat Tour: $19
  • Historical Sparkling Wine Museum Guided Tour: $20
  • Panoramic Cruise on Moselle River to Winningen: $20
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine: $20
  • Christmas Boat Tour with Mulled Wine: $21
  • Cochem Evening Panorama Cruise : $27
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.50
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $73
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koblenz 7.79
    Kiel 12


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


Which is Bigger, Koblenz or Kiel?

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

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 Koblenz or Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Koblenz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koblenz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koblenz is a little warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Koblenz averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. Koblenz usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Koblenz gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Koblenz usually receives less rain than Kiel. Koblenz gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koblenz 19°C (66°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Koblenz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Koblenz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koblenz is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koblenz in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Koblenz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Koblenz gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Koblenz gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koblenz 12°C (53°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koblenz and Kiel. Many visitors come to Koblenz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Koblenz can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Koblenz is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Koblenz average around 3°C (37°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Koblenz usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Koblenz gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koblenz usually receives less rain than Kiel. Koblenz gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koblenz 3°C (37°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koblenz as well as Kiel. Most visitors come to Koblenz for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Koblenz is a little warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Koblenz averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Koblenz often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Koblenz gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kiel. Koblenz gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koblenz 10°C (50°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Koblenz

Koblenz Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)