A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Cologne for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Vienna or Cologne?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Vienna and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Cologne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cologne than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Cologne, Cologne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cologne is more popular for its nightlife, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Vienna is known for its food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Cologne and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Cologne 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.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Vienna different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Cologne.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Cologne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna 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 Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Cologne Better for Music?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Cologne is not a live music destination.

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Cologne is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Cologne?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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.

Is Vienna or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Vienna or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Vienna or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna 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 Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Cologne Better for Couples?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Vienna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Cologne are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Cologne is a good city 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 Vienna or Cologne Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Vienna and Cologne.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere 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.

Is Vienna or Cologne a more walkable city?

Vienna is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Cologne is very walkable. 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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Cologne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Cologne. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Cologne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cologne.

Families should spend more time in Cologne than Vienna. 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 Vienna than Cologne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vienna that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna than Cologne 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 Vienna.

One day in Vienna or Cologne?

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Vienna or Cologne?

In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna 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 Vienna or Cologne?

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. 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 Vienna or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Cologne?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Cologne. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Cologne in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Vienna is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Cologne. Most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, 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 October, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Cologne. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Cologne. The winter months attract visitors to Vienna 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 Vienna can be very cold. Vienna is cooler than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Cologne in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Vienna is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cologne. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Vienna