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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Cologne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a traditional, quiet, and calm island. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

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.

Saaremaa and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne. Although Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa attracts visitors for its food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cologne is more touristy than Saaremaa 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. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Saaremaa different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cologne can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa is an experience not to be missed. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Cologne Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a popular place for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

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

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Cologne?

Cologne is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Saaremaa or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Saaremaa does not offer Christmas markets.

The holiday season is a very popular time to visit Cologne because of the beautiful 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.

Saaremaa does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Saaremaa or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Cologne Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saaremaa frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Cologne are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

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

Is Saaremaa or Cologne Better for Students?

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

Cologne is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Cologne is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Cologne is top-notch. 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 limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and Cologne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in Cologne. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

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

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Cologne is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Cologne?

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa has to offer.

Cologne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cologne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Cologne?

Saaremaa 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.

Cologne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. Since Saaremaa 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.

Cologne is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Cologne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Cologne. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saaremaa is cooler than Cologne in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saaremaa this time of the year. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Cologne in the Autumn?

Both Cologne and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for 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.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Cologne averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Cologne. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne and Saaremaa during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of 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 Saaremaa can be very cold. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

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

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Cologne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Cologne. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the spring. Saaremaa is much colder than Cologne in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Cologne. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Saaremaa