A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Cologne for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Cologne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne. Although Orkney Islands and Cologne are popular destinations, Cologne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cologne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cologne is more touristy than Orkney Islands 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. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Orkney Islands different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Cologne?

Cologne is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands is an experience not to be missed. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is great for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Cologne for the nightlife scene. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is well known for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Cologne has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Cologne?

Cologne is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during 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.

Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is renowned for visiting Christmas markets. However, Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to Cologne specifically to enjoy its famous 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.

Orkney Islands does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Orkney Islands frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is well known for backpackers. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a very popular archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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 Orkney Islands or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Cologne is very popular with students. 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.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

Cologne has a great public transit system. 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.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Cologne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Cologne. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

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

One day in Orkney Islands or Cologne?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago 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. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Cologne?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Cologne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Cologne?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Cologne. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Cologne. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Orkney Islands is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Cologne. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands in the winter. In January, Orkney Islands is generally a little warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Cologne. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Orkney Islands