A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Kiel for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Mykonos or Kiel?

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 Mykonos and Kiel. 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a picturesque, postcard perfect, and glamourous Greek island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Mykonos and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Kiel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mykonos than Kiel. Mykonos is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mykonos is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kiel is more popular for its big city activities. Mykonos is more touristy than Kiel and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Also, Mykonos is famous for the traditional windmills near Chora. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Mykonos different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Mykonos offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

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 Mykonos or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Mykonos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Mykonos is a world class party destination. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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 Mykonos or Kiel Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Kiel is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Mykonos is a great choice. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Kiel is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Kiel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Mykonos is well known for the beache. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Mykonos is considered a top beach destination. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

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

Is Mykonos or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Mykonos can be explored in its historical center. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is not so good for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

A few hiking trails can be found near Mykonos. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Kiel?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Kiel Better for Families?

Kiel is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

Kiel is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Kiel Better for Couples?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Mykonos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Kiel is a good Greek island 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 Mykonos or Kiel Better for Students?

Kiel is a good destination for students. However, Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Mykonos 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 Mykonos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

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

Is Mykonos or Kiel a more walkable city?

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Mykonos on foot is easy. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mykonos and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mykonos than in Kiel. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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

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

One day in Mykonos or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Mykonos. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Kiel, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Mykonos or Kiel?

Mykonos is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Kiel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kiel has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamourous destination of Mykonos. This Greek island offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Kiel is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Kiel?

The postcard perfect Greek island of Mykonos offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Kiel?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.