A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nafplio vs. Cologne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Nafplio or Cologne?

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

Should I visit Nafplio 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.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a picturesque, romantic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne. Although Nafplio and Cologne are popular destinations, Cologne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cologne is very popular for its shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Nafplio attracts visitors for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Cologne is famous for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Nafplio different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nafplio or Cologne?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Cologne and Nafplio.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

Many visitors head to Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Is the Food Better in Nafplio or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Nafplio is an experience not to be missed. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Cologne have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

The people in Cologne know how to have a good time. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a popular place for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Nafplio is a good option for a beach vacation. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Cologne?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Nafplio does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Cologne draws large crowds. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Nafplio does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Nafplio does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make Cologne very popular during this season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Nafplio does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cologne. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nafplio. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Couples?

Nafplio is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Nafplio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Cologne are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Cologne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

Is Nafplio or Cologne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Is Nafplio or Cologne a more walkable city?

Nafplio is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Nafplio on foot is easy. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Nafplio Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Cologne?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio than Cologne 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 Nafplio.

One day in Nafplio or Cologne?

In Nafplio, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Nafplio or Cologne?

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

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cologne has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Cologne?

Nafplio is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Cologne 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 Nafplio or Cologne?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Cologne. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Cologne. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Cologne. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. In January, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Cologne. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Nafplio