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

Should you visit Linz 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 Linz 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.

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Linz and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Linz or Kiel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kiel than Linz. Kiel is bigger than Linz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kiel is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Linz is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Linz is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. 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 Linz different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Linz is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Linz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art 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 Linz or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Linz and Kiel both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Linz. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

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 Linz or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Kiel is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kiel. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Linz or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a city with good options for the beache. However, Linz is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kiel. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Linz is not a beach destination.

Is Linz or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Linz to see the old town. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Kiel?

Linz is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Linz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

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 Linz or Kiel Better for Families?

Both Linz and Kiel are notable to visit with kids.

Linz is a family-friendly place to visit. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Kiel is a family-friendly town. 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 Linz or Kiel Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Linz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

Kiel is a good town 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 Linz or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

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 Linz or Kiel Better for Students?

Kiel is a city with good options for students. However, Linz is not popular with students.

Kiel is a good city to visit for students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Linz 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 Linz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

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

Is Linz or Kiel a more walkable city?

Linz 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.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Linz?

How long in Linz or Kiel?

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

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

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

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

One day in Linz or Kiel?

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

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

A weekend in Linz or Kiel?

Linz 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.

Kiel 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.

Five days in Linz or Kiel?

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

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

A week in Linz or Kiel?

The beautiful town of Linz 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.

The authentic city of Kiel offers nightlife 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Linz or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Linz 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 Linz 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 Linz or Kiel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Kiel. Many travelers come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Linz is a little warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kiel this time of the year. In Linz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Linz usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during summer. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Linz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kiel. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Linz or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Linz as well as Kiel. Many visitors come to Linz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Linz is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Linz in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Linz often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Linz gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Linz or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Linz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kiel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kiel can be very cold. Linz can be very cold during winter. In January, Linz is generally much colder than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Linz average around -0°C (31°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Linz usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Linz gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Linz usually receives less rain than Kiel. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Linz or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel and Linz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Linz because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

Linz is much warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Linz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Linz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets more rain in April than Kiel. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Linz