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

Should you visit Kos or Kiel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Kiel 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.

Kos

Kos is a party-hard, vibrant, and beautiful island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Kiel

Kiel is a maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Kos and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Kiel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Kiel are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kiel attracts visitors for its big city activities. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Kos different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Kiel?

Kos is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kos are among the most recognizable in the world. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

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 Kos or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos 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, Kos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Kos is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Kos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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 Kos or Kiel Better for Resorts?

Kos is a popular place for its resorts. However, Kiel is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Kiel is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Kiel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos 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 Kos a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kos is a must-visit destination for the beache. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Kos. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona 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 Kos or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Kos is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Kos is a good destination for hiking. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Kiel?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kos and Kiel.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Kiel offers some nice shopping areas. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kos or Kiel Better for Families?

Both Kos and Kiel are nice to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

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.

Is Kos or Kiel Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Kiel is a good island 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 Kos or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

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 Kos or Kiel Better for Students?

Kiel is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos is not popular with students.

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

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

Kos has some very good public transit options. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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

Is Kos or Kiel a more walkable city?

Kos is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Kos?

How long in Kos or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Kiel. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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

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

One day in Kos or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kos. 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.

With nightlife and food around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Kiel, there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Kiel?

Kos is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Many people visit Kiel for a weekend. With food and shopping around the waterfront city of Kiel, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the party-hard destination of Kos. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The destination of Kiel offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Kos or Kiel?

The ancient island of Kos offers shopping and museums. 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.

Kiel, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Kos 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 Kos Expensive? and Is Kiel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.