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

Should you visit Kos or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg 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 vibrant, beautiful, and ancient island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a historic, charming, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Kos or Strasbourg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Strasbourg are both popular with visitors, Kos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kos is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Strasbourg is known for its historical sights and shopping. Strasbourg is more touristy than Kos and is known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Kos is popular for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also home to Asklepieion Archeological Site.

How is Kos different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Kos from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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!

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Strasbourg can be an interesting and educational experience. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.


Is the Food Better in Kos or Strasbourg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos is a great island for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Kos has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Resorts?

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Strasbourg is not a resort destination.

Kos has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Strasbourg is not a resort destination.


Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Strasbourg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos is not to be missed. 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.

Strasbourg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Beaches?

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Kos is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Strasbourg

Strasbourg is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Kos does not have a historic old town.


Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Hiking?

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos is very good for hiking. However, Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Strasbourg?

Kos
Strasbourg

Strasbourg is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Families?

Kos
Strasbourg

Both Kos and Strasbourg are good 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 Strasbourg. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.


Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Kos
Strasbourg

Both Kos and Strasbourg are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Strasbourg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Kos or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Kos
Strasbourg

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

Plenty of students visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Kos is not popular with students.


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

Kos
Strasbourg

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Kos and Strasbourg.

Visitors to Kos can move around easily with public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

The public transit in Strasbourg can get you around easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Kos or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Kos
Strasbourg

Kos and Strasbourg are superb when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable island. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Kos?

How long in Kos or Strasbourg?

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

Families should spend more time in Kos than Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg 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.


  • How many days in Kos or Strasbourg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Strasbourg 2-3

One day in Kos or Strasbourg?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-hard island of Kos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife and food around the historic destination of Strasbourg, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Kos or Strasbourg?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Kos, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Many people visit Strasbourg for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic city of Strasbourg, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Strasbourg?

Kos, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The destination of Strasbourg offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Strasbourg?

Kos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Strasbourg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Strasbourg or Kos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Strasbourg 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 Kos and Strasbourg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Strasbourg 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Strasbourg 134
Compare Hotels in Kos and Strasbourg

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Strasbourg? 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 Kos


Hotels in Strasbourg


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: Kos Hotel Prices and Strasbourg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Strasbourg 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Kos transfer services, Kos - Airport - Kos: $107
  • Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island: $84
  • Departure transfer to Kos Airport : $68
  • Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $64
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $59
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • From Kalymnos Self-Guided Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Kos Private Transfer Services: $52
  • Private Transfer from Kos Airport to Resorts: $30
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

Also for Strasbourg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $58
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Strasbourg Train Station to Hotel: $64
  • Private Transfer Strasbourg to Europa Park: $251
  • Door-to-Door private transfer and driver from Strasbourg to Basel: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Strasbourg?

Prices for flights to both Strasbourg and Kos 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
    Kos 43
    Strasbourg 44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Kefalos Sunset Cruise from Kos with Dinner: $61
  • Sunset Cruise with Swimming and BBQ Dinner: $62
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $65
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $86
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $90
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $95
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $97
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $117

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

For Strasbourg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Strasbourg Private Food Tour: experience the city like a local!: $93
  • Strasbourg Food Tour : Gourmet private Tour with tastings: $102
  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Strasbourg 24

Tours and Activities in Kos

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

  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $29
  • From Boat Tour to the Volcanic Island of Nisyros: $37
  • From Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch: $41
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $32
  • From Nissyros guided island tour and volcano: $57
  • From Pserimos Island Snorkeling Cruise by Diving Boat: $53
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $32
  • Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos: $38
  • Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33
  • Full-Day 3 Island Cruise Tour in Kos Island: $37
  • Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

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

  • 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway: $64
  • Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg: $148
  • Alsace Wine Odyssey: Full-Day Private Tour from Strasbourg: $2,031
  • Alsace Wine Route Small Group Half-Day Tour with Tasting from Strasbourg: $107
  • Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg: $175
  • Alsatian brunch with immersive cellar tour: $49
  • Alsatian tour, tasting and meal - 100% immersive experience: $60
  • Christmas Joy in Strasbourg Walking Tour: $641
  • Culinary city tour in Strasbourg with tastings: $104
  • Gems of Alsace: Private Full-Day Tour from Strasbourg: $2,031
  • Gourmet Bike Tour with a Locals in Strasbourg: $71
  • Guided Tours of Strasbourg Cathedral: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Strasbourg 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $59
  • From Tour of 2 Wineries with Wine Tasting & Small Bites: $63
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $150

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Aperitif at the winemaker with cellar visit and wine tasting in Alsace: $11
  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $38
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $118
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $120
  • Strasbourg : Wine Tour by bike with a local: $150
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $545


When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Strasbourg, we can see that Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kos or Strasbourg?

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