A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Cologne for Attractions, Families, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Cologne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a quaint, idyllic, and peaceful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include food and theater.

Cologne

Cologne is a colorful, fun, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Cologne are both popular with visitors, Cologne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cologne is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Cologne is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also home to The Cologne Cathedral. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

Cologne is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Cologne is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Stratford-upon-Avon draw crowds from around the world. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Cologne is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Cologne can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon and Cologne are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Stratford-upon-Avon. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Cologne offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

Cologne is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cologne is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cologne is very family-friendly. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Cologne are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Cologne is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon 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, Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne a more walkable city?

Cologne is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

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

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Cologne for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

The big city destination of Cologne offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Cologne, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Cologne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Cologne. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. 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 October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Cologne. The museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. Stratford-upon-Avon is a little warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

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

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Cologne. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon