A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Cologne for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Lagos or Cologne?

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 Lagos and Cologne. 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Cologne

Cologne is a fun, accessible, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Cologne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cologne than Lagos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cologne is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Lagos is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Cologne and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Lagos different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lagos or Cologne?

Cologne is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cologne. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lagos or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Lagos is an experience not to be missed. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Cologne.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Cologne is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Cologne is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cologne to see the historical old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Hiking?

Lagos is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Cologne?

Cologne is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Cologne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Lagos does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Cologne is not to be missed. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Lagos does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas markets. However, Lagos does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make Cologne very popular during this season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Lagos does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Families?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Cologne is a very family-friendly destination. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Couples?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lagos is a very popular resort town to visit for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Many students visit Cologne. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Lagos is not popular with students.

Is Lagos or Cologne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

For even more information, also check out Is Lagos Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Cologne?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos than Cologne 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 Lagos.

One day in Lagos or Cologne?

In Lagos, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Cologne?

In Lagos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Five days in Lagos or Cologne?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lagos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cologne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Cologne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Cologne?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant big city of Cologne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Cologne?

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

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 Lagos or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Cologne. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Lagos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lagos is much warmer than Cologne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Cologne. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Cologne in the Winter?

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

Cologne can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Cologne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Cologne. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Cologne. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Cologne. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Lagos