A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Kiel for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a authentic, vibrant, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kiel than Thiva (Thebes), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kiel is better known for its beaches, while Thiva (Thebes) is more popular for its museums. Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world. Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Also, Kiel is famous for The Kiel Castle.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kiel and Thiva (Thebes). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Thiva (Thebes) offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. 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.


Is the Food Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Both Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Thiva (Thebes). It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

It's hard to distinguish whether Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel has a better nightlife scene.

Thiva (Thebes) has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Kiel is a city with good options for the beache. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kiel. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kiel and Thiva (Thebes).

Thiva (Thebes) offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel Better for Families?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Both Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thiva (Thebes). Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel Better for Couples?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Kiel is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

Kiel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel Better for Students?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Kiel is a city with good options for students. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

Kiel is popular with students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Thiva (Thebes) is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Thiva (Thebes), but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses in the area.

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

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel a more walkable city?

Thiva (Thebes)
Kiel

Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel both are notable when exploring on foot.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable place. Some areas are more walkable than others.

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


For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Kiel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

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

Couples should spend more time in Kiel than Thiva (Thebes). 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.


  • How many days in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thiva (Thebes) 1-2 
    Kiel 1-3

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Thiva (Thebes). Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Kiel, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

Thiva (Thebes) is a fun place to experience. 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.

Kiel 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Thiva (Thebes). This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kiel. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

The authentic city of Thiva (Thebes) offers nightlife and food. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Kiel. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel or Thiva (Thebes)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, while the average daily cost in Kiel is €138. 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 Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    Kiel 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    Kiel 134
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes)


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: Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    Kiel 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel and Thiva (Thebes) 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
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    Kiel 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    Kiel 19

Tours and Activities in Kiel

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

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    Kiel 12


When comparing the travel costs between Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel, we can see that Kiel 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 Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is Kiel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thiva (Thebes) is much warmer than Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during summer. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Kiel. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Thiva (Thebes) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Thiva (Thebes). In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Kiel. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kiel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kiel can be very cold. In January, Thiva (Thebes) is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 10°C (51°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Kiel. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Kiel. The spring months attract visitors to Thiva (Thebes) because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

Thiva (Thebes) is much warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thiva (Thebes) this time of the year. In the spring, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in April than Kiel. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)