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

Should you visit Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and theater.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront 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.

Liverpool and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Liverpool or Kiel?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kiel than Liverpool. While Liverpool is larger than Kiel, Kiel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kiel is better known for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and shopping. Liverpool is well known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." 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 Liverpool different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Liverpool
Kiel

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Liverpool and Kiel.

Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

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 Liverpool or Kiel Better for Theater?

Liverpool
Kiel

Liverpool is well known for its theatre productions. However, Kiel is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Liverpool. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Kiel is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Liverpool or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Liverpool
Kiel

Kiel is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. 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)

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool
Kiel

Liverpool is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. 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.


Is Liverpool or Kiel Better for Music?

Liverpool
Kiel

Liverpool is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Kiel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Kiel is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Liverpool
Kiel

Kiel is a city with good options for the beache. However, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Kiel?

Liverpool
Kiel

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

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool or Kiel Better for Families?

Liverpool
Kiel

Liverpool is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. 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 Liverpool or Kiel Better for Couples?

Liverpool
Kiel

Both Liverpool and Kiel are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Kiel is a good port city 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 Liverpool or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool
Kiel

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

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 Liverpool or Kiel Better for Students?

Liverpool
Kiel

Liverpool is well known for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Liverpool is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Liverpool
Kiel

Liverpool 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 Liverpool, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

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

Is Liverpool or Kiel a more walkable city?

Liverpool
Kiel

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Liverpool and Kiel. In our opinion, Liverpool has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Liverpool than Kiel. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Liverpool or Kiel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Liverpool 2-3 
    Kiel 1-3

One day in Liverpool or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Liverpool. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kiel. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kiel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Kiel?

Liverpool is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the maritime destination of Kiel. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Kiel?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the off-the-beaten-path city of Kiel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Liverpool or Kiel?

The diverse port city of Liverpool offers museums and theater. 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.

Kiel is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Kiel or Liverpool?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, while the average daily cost in Kiel is £118. 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 Liverpool and Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liverpool £76
    Kiel £58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liverpool £152
    Kiel £116
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Liverpool or Kiel? 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 Liverpool


Hotels in Kiel


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: Liverpool Hotel Prices and Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liverpool £26
    Kiel £46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Liverpool Airport LPL to Liverpool in Business Car: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Liverpool Airport LPL to Liverpool in Luxury Van: $79
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Liverpool Airport LPL in Business Car: $65
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Business Car: $121
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Luxury Van: $195
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Liverpool Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $83
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Accommodation: $148
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Cruise Port: $148
  • Liverpool Airport Arrival Private Transfer to Accommodation: $41
  • Liverpool Airport Transfer 1 to 10 Passengers One Way Transfer : $44
  • Liverpool Cruise Port to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Liverpool Cruise Port to Liverpool hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Liverpool or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel and Liverpool 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
    Liverpool £59
    Kiel £33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

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

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liverpool £36
    Kiel £16

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Liverpool Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.27
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Liverpool History and Culture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the River Mersey: $6.99
  • Liverpool’s Hidden Histories: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Discover Liverpool’s Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.56
  • Discover Liverpool’s Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.59
  • Albert Docks Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liverpool £13
    Kiel £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

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

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56


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

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


Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Kiel?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Liverpool for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Kiel. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Liverpool during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Liverpool in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Liverpool is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liverpool in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in October than Kiel. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Kiel. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. In January, Liverpool is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 5°C (42°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Liverpool usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Kiel. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Kiel. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

Liverpool is a little warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kiel. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Liverpool

Liverpool Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)