A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Cologne for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Oxford or Cologne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Cologne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Oxford and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Cologne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Oxford. Cologne is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is better known for its historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Cologne is more touristy than Oxford 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. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Oxford different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Cologne?

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Oxford or Cologne.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Both Oxford and Cologne offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Oxford or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Cologne.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Cologne?

Cologne is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Oxford or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is very popular for visiting Christmas markets. However, Oxford does not offer Christmas markets.

Cologne has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. 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.

Oxford does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Oxford or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford 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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Cologne Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Cologne Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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.

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

Cologne is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Cologne has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Cologne a more walkable city?

Oxford and Cologne are very good when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Cologne is a very walkable college town. 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Cologne. In our opinion, Cologne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cologne than Oxford. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Cologne?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Cologne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Cologne?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford has to offer.

Cologne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Cologne?

Oxford is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Cologne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Cologne. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Cologne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Cologne. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. In the winter, Oxford is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cologne averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Oxford is generally cooler than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Cologne. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Oxford