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

Should you visit Manchester or Kiel?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Kiel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Kiel

Kiel is a off-the-beaten-path, waterfront, and maritime city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Kiel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Manchester than Kiel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Manchester is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kiel attracts visitors for its beaches. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Manchester different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Manchester offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

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

Manchester is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or Kiel Better for Music?

Manchester is well known for its live music scene. However, Kiel is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Kiel is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is very good for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Kiel?

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

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Manchester or Kiel Better for Families?

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

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Kiel Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester or Kiel Better for Students?

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

Manchester is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

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

Manchester is well known for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Manchester has some very good public transit options. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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

Is Manchester or Kiel a more walkable city?

Manchester and Kiel are nice when it comes to walkability.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Kiel. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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

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

One day in Manchester or Kiel?

Manchester is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Kiel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kiel, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Kiel?

Manchester 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kiel, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Kiel?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant big city of Manchester. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kiel, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Kiel?

The diverse city of Manchester offers shopping and museums. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 Manchester and Kiel, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Kiel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Kiel?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester or Kiel?

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 Manchester or Kiel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Kiel. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manchester is around the same temperature as Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kiel. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

In October, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Kiel. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. Manchester is much warmer than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in January than Kiel. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Kiel. Many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Manchester is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kiel. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Manchester