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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a cultural, authentic, and dynamic 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, shopping, and museums.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nottingham and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Kiel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nottingham. Although Nottingham and Kiel are about the same size, Nottingham has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nottingham is very popular for its music and shopping, while Kiel attracts visitors for its beaches. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Nottingham different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nottingham
Kiel

Both Nottingham and Kiel have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Nottingham or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Kiel

Both Nottingham and Kiel offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Nottingham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Kiel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Nottingham or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Kiel

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Kiel.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

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 Nottingham or Kiel Better for Music?

Nottingham
Kiel

Nottingham is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Kiel is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Nottingham is active and vibrant. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Kiel is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Nottingham
Kiel

Kiel is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Kiel?

Nottingham
Kiel

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

Nottingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

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 Nottingham or Kiel Better for Families?

Nottingham
Kiel

Both Nottingham and Kiel are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air 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 Nottingham or Kiel Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Kiel

Both Nottingham and Kiel are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Kiel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nottingham or Kiel Better for Students?

Nottingham
Kiel

Kiel is a city with good options for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

Kiel is popular with students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham
Kiel

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

Nottingham has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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


Is Nottingham or Kiel a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Kiel

Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is a very walkable city. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Kiel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kiel than Nottingham 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 Kiel.


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

One day in Nottingham or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Nottingham or Kiel?

Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Kiel?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Nottingham. 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 Nottingham or Kiel?

The dynamic city of Nottingham 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle 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 Nottingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, 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 Nottingham and Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Kiel £58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Kiel £116
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham 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 Nottingham


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Kiel £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224

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 Nottingham or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Kiel £33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Kiel £16

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

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

  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $13
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $25
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $89
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $114
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

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
    Nottingham £7.10
    Kiel £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Kiel?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, 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.

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

It's quite sunny in Kiel. Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Kiel. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Nottingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, 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 October, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Kiel. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Kiel. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Nottingham can be very cold during winter. Nottingham is much warmer than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Kiel. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Kiel in the Spring?

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

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

In the spring, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kiel. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Nottingham

Nottingham Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)