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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Cologne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, high energy, and livable port city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Newcastle upon Tyne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Newcastle upon Tyne attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Cologne is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular 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. Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Cologne and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cologne can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Cologne.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Cologne.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Cologne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Newcastle upon Tyne does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Newcastle upon Tyne does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful Christmas markets. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Cologne are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Cologne are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Cologne are great destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Cologne is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Cologne is top-notch. 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot is easy. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

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

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

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

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne has to offer.

Many people visit Cologne for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cologne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

The big city destination of Cologne offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Newcastle upon Tyne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Cologne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Cologne. The autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Cologne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Cologne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cologne. It's quite cold in Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 3°C (38°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the winter. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Cologne. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Newcastle upon Tyne