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

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel?

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 Kiel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a peaceful, park-filled, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the food and theater.

Kiel

Kiel is a maritime, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Kiel is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kiel 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 Kiel?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Kiel is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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 Kiel Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is not a theatre destination.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel 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 Kiel area. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Kiel is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kiel. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

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


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Kiel is very good for the beache. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Kiel is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kiel. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

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


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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kiel. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel are notable 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.

Kiel is a good town for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Kiel is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Kiel

Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel are notable when it comes to walkability.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kiel 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 Kiel.

Families should spend more time in Kiel than Stratford-upon-Avon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kiel, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kiel than Stratford-upon-Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kiel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kiel 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 Kiel.


  • How many days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stratford-upon-Avon 1-2 
    Kiel 1-3

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town where visitors enjoy the theater and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Kiel, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Kiel?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the theater. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Kiel 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 Kiel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Kiel 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 Kiel?

Because Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel or Stratford-upon-Avon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stratford-upon-Avon is £144, while the average daily cost in Kiel is £118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stratford-upon-Avon £87
    Kiel £58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stratford-upon-Avon £174
    Kiel £116
Compare Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon


Hotels in Kiel


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Stratford-upon-Avon Hotel Prices and Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stratford-upon-Avon £13
    Kiel £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also for Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Stratford-upon-Avon To London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $272

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel and Stratford-upon-Avon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Stratford-upon-Avon £39
    Kiel £33
Typical Food Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Cheese & Crackers
    £7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Shakespearean Cooking Experience in Stratford-upon-Avon: $163
  • Pasta Making Experience - Cooking Class: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stratford-upon-Avon £21
    Kiel £16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Stratford-upon-Avon's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Warwick Castle (2)
    £59
  • Lunch
    £12
  • Lunch for 2
    £17

Tours and Activities in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter: $6.99
  • Warwick Self-Guided Immersive Audio Walking Tour: $8.88
  • Stratford-Upon-Avon Audio Walking Tour: Shakespeare's Life: $8.89
  • Shakespeare’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • City Exploration Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Tudor World Museum Entrance Ticket: $9.99
  • Shakespeare & Hathaway TV Sites Tour: $11
  • Shakespeare and Hathaway 2-Hour Self Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $12
  • The WalkTalkShow.co.uk - Guided Tour of Stratford upon Avon: $13
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Kiel

Here are a few actual costs in Kiel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bicycle tour to Friedrichshafen with a visit to the Zeppelin & Dornier Museum: $141
  • Bike Tour of Lubeck with Top Attractions and Private Guide: $244
  • Boat Cruise and a Private Walking Tour of Lubeck's Old Town: $205
  • Christmas Stories of Lubeck – Private Walking Tour: $256
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Discovering Lubeck – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $202
  • Fascinating Pearls of Lubeck - Guided Walking Tour: $191
  • Kiel - Private Historic Walking Tour: $384
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Kiel Private Guided Walking Tour: $281
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stratford-upon-Avon £13
    Kiel £10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Stratford-upon-Avon from other travelers:


  • Beers
    £8.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also in Stratford-upon-Avon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shakespeare Gin Distillery Tour & Taste: $24
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 11am Ticket: $25
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 1pm Ticket: $25


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

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 Kiel Expensive?.


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

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Kiel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stratford-upon-Avon 17°C (63°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Kiel. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Kiel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stratford-upon-Avon 11°C (52°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Kiel. 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 Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. It's quite cold in Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Kiel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stratford-upon-Avon 3°C (38°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a little warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Kiel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stratford-upon-Avon 9°C (48°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)