A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake District National Park vs. Cologne for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a relaxing, enjoyable, and unique national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food and hiking.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake District National Park and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake District National Park or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne. Although Lake District National Park and Cologne are popular destinations, Cologne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cologne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Lake District National Park attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is famous for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Cologne is famous for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Lake District National Park different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake District National Park or Cologne?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lake District National Park or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park is an experience not to be missed. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

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 Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cologne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Lake District National Park does not have a historic old town.

Cologne has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Lake District National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Lake District National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake District National Park or Cologne?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cologne. 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.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Lake District National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Cologne draws large crowds. 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.

Lake District National Park does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a world-class destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Lake District National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to Cologne specifically for the Christmas markets. 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.

Lake District National Park does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Families?

Both Lake District National Park and Cologne are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake District National Park. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

Cologne is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Lake District National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

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 Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lake District National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

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 Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

Is Lake District National Park or Cologne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Cologne can get you around easily. 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 generally limited in Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.

Is Lake District National Park or Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake District National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lake District National Park and Cologne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Cologne. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cologne than Lake District National Park 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 Cologne.

One day in Lake District National Park or Cologne?

In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Cologne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Cologne?

In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. 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 hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Many people visit Cologne for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Cologne?

Lake District National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake District National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The vibrant big city of Cologne offers shopping and museums. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Lake District National Park or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake District National Park. In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Cologne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake District National Park and Cologne, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Lake District National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake District National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park.

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

When is the best time to visit Lake District National Park or Cologne?

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 Lake District National Park or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Lake District National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lake District National Park is cooler than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in July than Cologne. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Cologne. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Lake District National Park is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lake District National Park in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Lake District National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Cologne. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Cologne. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Lake District National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lake District National Park is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 3°C (38°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lake District National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for 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.

Lake District National Park is cooler than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during spring. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Cologne. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Lake District National Park