A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volos vs. Cologne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Volos 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 Volos and Cologne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a youthful, authentic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Volos and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Volos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Volos is known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Cologne is more touristy than Volos 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. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Volos different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Volos 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.

Volos offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in town including the Archaeological Museum of Volos.

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

Volos 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 Volos is an experience not to be missed. Greece cuisine is very regional specific, and this area has its own dishes that are very different from elsewhere in the country. Deep fried kolitsianoi (sea anemone), boubari (local sausage), and spetzofai (sausage, tomato, and peppers) are just some of the unique dishes in the area.

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 Volos or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Cologne.

Volos has a large number of nightlife venues. The universities around town keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are a number of bars and clubs that are fun throughout the year.

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Volos or Cologne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Volos has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Cologne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Cologne Better for Beaches?

Volos is well known for the beach. However, Cologne is not a beach destination.

Volos is considered a top beach destination. If you're willing to travel out of town, this region has some of the best beaches in Greece. The summers are cooler than other parts of the country and the winters are milder, so this is both a beautiful and a comfortable place to explore.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is very good for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Cologne. 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.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Cologne?

Cologne is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Volos to go shopping. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Is Volos or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Volos 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.

Volos does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Volos or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a world-class destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Volos does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to Cologne specifically for the 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.

Volos does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Volos or Cologne Better for Families?

Cologne is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Volos 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 Volos. If your kids are adventurous, they'll enjoy horseback riding or exploring the area's beaches. There's also the Archaeological Museum of Volos and Agios Konstantinos Park.

Is Volos or Cologne Better for Couples?

Both Volos and Cologne are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Volos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

Cologne is a good city 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 Volos or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos 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.

Volos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination and you won't find that many hostels in the area.

Is Volos or Cologne Better for Students?

Cologne is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Volos is popular with students. You'll find several universities in town. The port city also offers access to different parts of the country.

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

Cologne is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Cologne can get you around easily. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Volos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that travels around town.

Is Volos or Cologne a more walkable city?

Volos and Cologne are great when it comes to walkability.

Volos is a very walkable city. The city is flat and there's a historic district that you can explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Volos?

How long in Volos or Cologne?

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

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

In Volos, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city 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. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Volos or Cologne?

In Volos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volos has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Volos or Cologne?

Volos is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Cologne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the accessible big city of Cologne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Volos and Cologne, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Volos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volos 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 Volos.

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

Which is Bigger, Volos or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Volos. When comparing the sizes of Volos 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 Volos 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 Volos or Cologne in the Summer?

Both Cologne and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, 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, Volos is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Volos. In the summer, Volos often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than Cologne. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Cologne. The autumn months attract visitors to Volos because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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, Volos is generally a little warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Volos usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Cologne. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volos or Cologne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Cologne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volos 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. Volos is much warmer than Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Cologne in the Spring?

Both Cologne and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Volos is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Cologne. Volos 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 Volos