A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisse vs. Cologne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisse or Cologne?

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

Should I visit Lisse or Cologne? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Lisse or Cologne?

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Cologne or Lisse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisse is €145, while the average daily cost in Cologne is €161. 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 Lisse and Cologne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisse 79
    Cologne 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisse 158
    Cologne 182
Compare Hotels in Lisse and Cologne

Looking for a hotel in Lisse or Cologne? 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 Lisse


Hotels in Cologne


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: Cologne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisse 23
    Cologne 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
  • Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
  • Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisse or Cologne?

Prices for flights to both Cologne and Lisse 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
    Lisse 47
    Cologne 50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

Typical Food Prices in Cologne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:


  • Dinner
    14
  • Donner Kebab
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.

  • Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $481

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisse 30
    Cologne 20

Tours and Activities in Lisse

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

  • Walking tour Haarlem (Tip Based): $4.36
  • Keukenhof: Parking Ticket or Park Information Booklet: $7.49
  • Haarlem Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.57
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof: $16
  • Haarlem: Canal Cruise Spaarne Mill to Mill: $20
  • Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise: $20
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
  • Keukenhof: Entry Ticket: $21
  • Haarlem Open Canal Tour with a real live guide: $25
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28

Tours and Activities in Cologne

Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 120min - Cologne City Tour: $158
  • 3-Hour Cologne Street Art Bike Tour in Small Group with Guide: $44
  • 3-Hour Murder Mystery Interactive City Walking Tour in Köln: $75
  • 5 Hours Cologne to Aachen Train Tour in Germany: $63
  • Aachen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $231
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Aachen old town tour - GERMAN (public): $13
  • Amusing Stories of Cologne Walking Tour: $13
  • Awesome Sites of Cologne – Private Family Walking Tour: $395
  • Beethoven and Bonn Highlights Tour from Cologne by Car: $840
  • Best of Cologne in 1-Day Private Guided Tour with Transport: $438

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisse 23
    Cologne 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

Also in Lisse, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:

  • Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
  • Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $18
  • Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
  • Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
  • Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
  • South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $29
  • Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33


When comparing the travel costs between Lisse and Cologne, we can see that Cologne 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 Lisse Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lisse or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse 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 Lisse 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 Lisse or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Cologne. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

In the summer, Lisse is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisse in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisse this time of the year. In the summer, Lisse often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cologne. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisse 17°C (62°F) 
    Cologne 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lisse is generally cooler than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 11°C (51°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during autumn. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisse usually receives more rain than Cologne. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisse 11°C (51°F) 
    Cologne 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Lisse during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lisse. Lisse is cooler than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisse 2°C (36°F) 
    Cologne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Cologne. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lisse is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisse in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Lisse usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisse 8°C (46°F) 
    Cologne 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Cologne and Lisse

Lisse Cologne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)