A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nuremberg vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nuremberg and Karlovy Vary 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.

Where Should I go: Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary?

Nuremberg

Located in Bavaria, Nuremberg is the region's second largest city. It is positioned on the banks of the Pegnitz River and the Main-Danube Canal, about 100 miles from Munich. Nuremberg is famous for a handful of things, including gingerbread, Christmas, and the Nuremberg Trials. The old town itself is beautiful, with gothic churches and impressive castles. It has quaint streets lined with beautiful houses and an old world atmosphere.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Nuremberg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nuremberg is €103, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Nuremberg and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nuremberg 61
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nuremberg 122
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Nuremberg and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary? 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 Nuremberg


Hotels in Karlovy Vary


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: Nuremberg Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nuremberg 12
    Karlovy Vary 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nuremberg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nuremberg:

  • Private transfer from Nuremberg to Prague: $620
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Salzburg with 2h of Sightseeing: $290
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Nuremberg to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $268
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Munich with 2 hours for sightseeing: $268
  • Private Transfer: River Cruise Dock Nuremberg to Prague: Port / Harbor transport: $268
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing: $257
  • Nuremberg to Prague - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $251
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with Beer Museum : $246
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with 3h stop in Karlovy Vary: $243
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg Dock to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel: $215
  • Private Transfer-River Cruise Dock Nuremberg to Munich: Port / Harbor transport : $204
  • Private Transfer - Nuremberg to Munich or Munich to Nuremberg: $191

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Nuremberg 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
    Nuremberg 34
    Karlovy Vary 25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nuremberg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nuremberg.

  • 3-Hour St. Johannis Food Tour in German: $95
  • Classic North Side Food Tour in German: $95
  • Nürnberg City Tour with Traditional Dinner & Beer: $267

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nuremberg 10
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Nuremberg

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

  • Camp Zeppelin Tour in Spanish: $19
  • City tour of Nuremberg: $19
  • City tour through Nuremberg with the Bimmelbahn: $12
  • City tour through Nuremberg with the little train - Christmas tour: $11
  • Dachau Concentration Camp Private Tour: $218
  • Ferrari Supersport experience drive - drive yourself: $191
  • Former Nazi Rally Ground And Courtroom 600 Tour: $83
  • Free Walking Tour Nuremberg: $3.28
  • Kulinarische Fahrradtour - Knoblauchsland: $91
  • Medieval Tour in Nuremberg in Spanish: $19
  • Nürnberg oldtown: Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sightseeing Tour: $12
  • Nürnberg: Crime Escape Game - self-guided crime tour: $42

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nuremberg 16
    Karlovy Vary 6.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Nuremberg

Also in Nuremberg, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl for Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties: $24
  • Nürnberg: Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary?

Nuremberg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Nuremberg and Karlovy Vary, 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 Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary?

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 Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Nuremberg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nuremberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nuremberg is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Nuremberg average around 20°C (68°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nuremberg. In the summer, Nuremberg often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Nuremberg gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Nuremberg usually gets more rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Nuremberg gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nuremberg 20°C (68°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nuremberg and Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Nuremberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Nuremberg is around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nuremberg averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nuremberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during autumn. Nuremberg gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nuremberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Nuremberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nuremberg 12°C (53°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nuremberg as well as Karlovy Vary. The winter months attract visitors to Nuremberg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. The weather in Nuremberg can be very cold. In the winter, Nuremberg is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nuremberg in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Nuremberg often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Nuremberg gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Nuremberg usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Nuremberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nuremberg 1°C (34°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Nuremberg or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Nuremberg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nuremberg this time of year.

In April, Nuremberg is generally around the same temperature as Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Nuremberg average around 10°C (50°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Nuremberg usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Nuremberg gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nuremberg usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Nuremberg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nuremberg 10°C (50°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Nuremberg

Nuremberg Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)