Kiel is an off-the-beaten-path city known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Kiel?
You should plan to spend around $180 (€166) per day on your vacation in Kiel. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $72 (€67) on meals
- $59 (€54) on local transportation
- $146 (€135) on hotels
A one week trip to Kiel for two people costs, on average, $2,518 (€2,324). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,259
€1,162
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,518
€2,324
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One Month
Per person
$5,395
€4,980
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,518
€2,324
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,035
€4,648
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,790
€9,960
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kiel cost?
A one week trip to Kiel usually costs around $1,259 (€1,162) for one person and $2,518 (€2,324) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Kiel on average costs around $2,518 (€2,324) for one person and $5,035 (€4,648) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kiel will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Kiel on average costs around $5,395 (€4,980) for one person and $10,790 (€9,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Kiel expensive to visit?
Kiel is a smaller city that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Kiel can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $79 (€73) per day, mid-range travelers spend $180 (€166) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $343 (€317) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kiel.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Kiel is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kos or Nice.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kiel Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kiel?
The average Kiel trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kiel travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kiel cost?
Kiel on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$32
(€30)
|
$73
(€67)
|
$140
(€129)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$26
(€24)
|
$59
(€54)
|
$112
(€104)
|
|
Food2
|
$32
(€29)
|
$72
(€67)
|
$138
(€128)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$9
(€8.13)
|
$20
(€19)
|
$38
(€35)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-9
(€3-8)
|
$7-20
(€6-18)
|
$12-37
(€12-35)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Kiel. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $79 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Kiel, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $180 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $343 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the city, prepare for a pricier experience. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Self-Guided Secrets of Lubeck Exploration Game - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Kiel
The cost of hotels in Kiel can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $87, but the demand in peak summer season pushes that average to around $162. Budget hotels range from $69 to $222, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kiel for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $146 (€135). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $73 (€67) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kiel? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kiel include:
- Romantik Hotel Kieler Kaufmann starting at $122
- Atlantic Hotel Kiel starting at $145
- Hotel Kieler Yacht Club starting at $124
- Hotel Gode Wind starting at $97
- GHOTEL hotel & living Kiel starting at $76
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Kiel
In Kiel, the public transit system is not very good. There is a bus system around town.
In certain neighborhoods, Kiel is walkable, making it simple to explore the attractions. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $59 (€54) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kiel. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kiel is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$59
€54
Kiel is a significant port for passenger and cargo shipping from Germany to Scandinavia, the Baltic States and Russia. Passenger ferries operate to and from Gothenburg in Sweden, Oslo in Norway, and Klaipeda in Lithuania. The nearest international airport is Hamburg Airport, which is situated approximately 56 miles to the south of Kiel. There is a shuttle bus service operating between Hamburg Airport and Kiel central railway station. Kiel also has 8 regional railway stations within the city proper, which are connected with each other, the main railway station Kiel Hbf, and other stations by regional trains. Public transport is very well developed here, and here Kiel is a bicycle town: You can reach everything within short time by bike.
Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM) for $270 details
- Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city for $270 details
- Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer for $284 details
How much does it cost to go to Kiel? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kiel will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Kiel
The food and cuisine in Kiel is good, but not enough to draw visitors specifically for the restaurants. You'll find a few gems around the city that are worth visiting. 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)
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Kiel can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kiel is $72 (€67) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$72
€67
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kiel is around $72 (€67) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $138. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kiel are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $51
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Kiel has some great options for foodies. The best ever German/Turkish Doner kebabs can be found at Garips Imbiss, located on the corner of the Metzstrasse and Worthstrasse. There are convenient food courts in Kieler Hauptbahnhof and the shopping mall across from the train station. For something different, try the "Kartoffel Keller" (Potato cellar), where everything has potato as the theme - the potato pizza is very good. Other good cafes and pubs can be found in the old city center. A nice breakfast buffet is available on the weekend in Cafe Louf next to the water near the "Reventloubrucke".
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kiel
It's not surprising that visitors come to Kiel, as it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kiel typically cost an average of $20 (€19) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
€19
Kiel's shopping district is a major attraction. Kiel's Holstenstrasse (Holsten Street) is one of the longest shopping streets in Germany. The Rathaus (town hall), which was built in 1911, has an operating elevator and the design of its tower was based on one in Venice. The square in front of it is bordered by a lake and the Opera House. There are also a number of lakes and parks in the city center. There are also two botanical gardens, the Old Botanical Garden and New Botanical Garden.
As Kiel is situated near the sea, the beaches to the north of Kiel such as Strande, Kiel-Schilksee, Moltenort and Laboe are also popular places to visit in spring and summer.
The oldest building in the city is the 13th century Nikolaikirche (St Nicholas' Church), which has a sculpture by Ernst Barlach in front of it called Geistkampfer.
Kiel Week, more properly known in English as Kiel Regatta, is the largest sailing event in the world and takes place every year in the last full week of June. Many thousands of boats and ships of all kinds and eras take part in the parade. Kiel Week is also a festival, Volksfest and fair as well as a maritime event. There are a number of yachting and sailing clubs in picturesque settings.
Kiel also features a number of museums, including zoological, geological, historical, fine art, industrial, and military museums. Notable is the City and Maritime Museum. In addition to preserving architecture from the 16th century and historic rooms with painted stucco ceilings. The bulk of the Kunsthalle Kiel art museum's collection is from the 19th and 20th centuries and there are some influential German artists here, like the Romantic Carl Spitzweg and Impressionists like Lovis Corinth, Max Slevogt and Max Liebermann. The building for the Zoological Museum Of Kiel University was designed in the 1870s by one of the eminent architects of the day, Martin Gropius, great uncle of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. The museum's collections are much older, and were first gathered in the 1600s. An exhibit you won't soon forget is in the main hall, where there are 13 whale skeletons and massive blue and sperm whales are suspended from the ceiling.
On a beach on the eastern lip of the fjord at Laboe is a wartime U-boat that has been turned into a technical museum. U-995 was built by Blohm & Voss in Hamburg in 1943. It opened as a museum in 1972. Little has changed inside, and if you don't mind cramped spaces you can poke around the engine room, control station, bunks and torpedo tubes.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kiel. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Sightseeing Tour 1,5 hours Lindau Island Lake Constance for $174 details
- Lindau Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide for $253 details
- Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour for $10 details
Nightlife Budget in Kiel
While Kiel features some nightlife activities, it doesn't reach the excitement levels of other, more renowned destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $13 (€12) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kiel per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
€12
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Kiel. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Lindau Private guided tour with wine tasting for $49 details
Travel cost data last updated: Feb 28, 2025
Traveling in Kiel
Kiel, Germany
Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.
Neighborhoods & Around
Center: (Sudfriedhof, Altstadt, Vorstadt, Exerzierplatz, Damperhof, Ravensberg, Dusternbrook and Brunswik)
The Kiel Center is definitely the most attractive area. Many bars, restaurants and welcoming pubs offer ways to switch off, as well as the Schrevenpark and the extensive forest area near the Hindenburgufer. There are also the Holtenauer street and the city center with many shops.
Northwest: (Schilksee, Friedrichsort, Pries, and Holtenau)
The Northwest Kiel is shaped by many ports, but also by large green areas and beaches. One can reach the inner city relatively fast, but it feels like being in a rural area. It's location on the water makes it ideal for everyone who comes to seek a little rest and relaxation.North western Kiel is well served by public transport and usually you do not need more than 15 minutes to reach the inner city.
West: (Wik, Projensdorf, Suchsdorf, Hasseldieksdamm, Mettenhof, and Russee)
Much commercial space, a lot of companies and also very nice apartments, flats, houses can be found here, as well as the University of Kiel, which is situated directly near the Westring. Western Kiel is close to downtown and not far from the motorway.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.