A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Cologne vs. Hamburg for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Food

Should you visit Cologne or Hamburg?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Hamburg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cologne

Cologne is a fun, accessible, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Cologne offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cologne travel costs.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. Hamburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Hamburg travel costs.

Cologne and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Hamburg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cologne than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Cologne, Cologne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cologne is very popular for its historical sights, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Hamburg attracts visitors for its music. Cologne is famous for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Hamburg is famous for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Hamburg.

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Hamburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Hamburg can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cologne and Hamburg.

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.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for Music?

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

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Cologne is not a live music destination.

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

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

Cologne offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Hamburg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hamburg and Cologne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for Christmas?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Hamburg does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Cologne is not to be missed. 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.

Hamburg does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas markets. However, Hamburg does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to Cologne specifically to enjoy its famous 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.

Hamburg does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Hamburg More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of nice scenery and beauty in both Cologne and Hamburg.

Cologne offers plenty of beauty for visitors. You'll be greeted by the intricately designed Cologne Cathedral as you leave the train station. Old Town spreads out from this square and although many areas have been rebuilt, there city still offers a fascinating beauty.

Hamburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is divided into a number of different districts that each have their own personality.

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cologne or Hamburg.

Cologne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Hamburg make for a nice place to visit.

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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Hamburg are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Cologne or Hamburg Better for Students?

Cologne is well known for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Cologne is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Cologne has a great public transit system. 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.

Public transit in Hamburg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Cologne or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Cologne and Hamburg both are great when exploring 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.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Hamburg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cologne and Hamburg. In our opinion, Cologne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cologne than Hamburg. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cologne than Hamburg 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 Cologne or Hamburg?

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

In Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cologne or Hamburg?

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cologne has to offer.

In Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Hamburg?

Cologne is a great place to explore. 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.

Hamburg is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Cologne or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Cologne. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Hamburg, 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 Cologne or Hamburg?

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 Cologne or Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Cologne is a little warmer than Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Hamburg. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Cologne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cologne is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Hamburg. Many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hamburg can be very cold during winter. Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cologne is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Cologne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Hamburg. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the natural beauty.

Cologne is a little warmer than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hamburg. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Cologne