A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Cologne for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Cologne. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a remote, stunning, and spectacular archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cologne than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cologne is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cologne is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Outer Hebrides different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

Cologne is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cologne. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides is an experience not to be missed. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cologne has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is well known for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Cologne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Cologne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

Cologne is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Outer Hebrides does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cologne is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and Cologne are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Many students visit Cologne. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in Cologne can get around quickly with the extensive 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Cologne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Cologne. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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.

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

One day in Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Cologne. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Cologne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Cologne. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Cologne. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cologne can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Cologne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Cologne. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Cologne. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Cologne. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Outer Hebrides