Comparison · Cologne vs Hamburg · Germany
Cologne vs Hamburg
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Cologne for Cologne Cathedral and Kölsch beer; choose Hamburg for Elbphilharmonie and Port of Hamburg. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 356 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 356 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Cologne
- May–September and December
- Best time for Hamburg
- May–September
Side by side
| Cologne | Hamburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Germany |
| Known for | Cologne Cathedral, Kölsch beer and Carnival | Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and Speicherstadt |
| Best time to visit | May–September and December | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 2 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $160–$280 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 24°C (75°F) | July, 23°C (73°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 5°C (41°F) | January, 4°C (39°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | CGN, DUS | HAM |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Cologne for…
Cologne Cathedral and Kölsch beer. Cologne's twin-spired Gothic cathedral stands right next to the main station, so most visitors step out of the train and straight into the city's defining sight. Around it lie two thousand years of history, from Roman foundations and twelve Romanesque…
Choose Hamburg for…
Elbphilharmonie and Port of Hamburg. Germany's second-largest city is built around water: the working port on the Elbe, the canals of the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt warehouse district and the two Alster lakes in the centre. Visitors come for the Elbphilharmonie's free viewing plaza, Miniatur…
Top sights compared
| # | Cologne | Hamburg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cologne Cathedral | Elbphilharmonie and Plaza |
| 2 | Cathedral south tower climb | Speicherstadt |
| 3 | Hohenzollern Bridge | Miniatur Wunderland |
| 4 | Museum Ludwig | Harbour boat tour and ferry 62 |
| 5 | Wallraf-Richartz Museum | Landungsbrücken and Old Elbe Tunnel |
Food compared
| Cologne | Hamburg |
|---|---|
| Kölsch | Fish sandwich |
| Halve Hahn | Franzbrötchen |
| Heaven and earth | Labskaus |
| Rhineland sauerbraten | Hamburg fish pan |
Which is cheaper?
Cologne and Hamburg cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $150–$260 in Cologne and $160–$280 in Hamburg (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Cologne on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Cologne and Hamburg are about 356 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 2 days in Cologne and 3 in Hamburg.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Cologne or Hamburg cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 in Cologne and $160–$280 in Hamburg (estimates).
+Is Cologne or Hamburg better for a first trip?
Pick Cologne for Cologne Cathedral and Kölsch beer, or Hamburg for Elbphilharmonie and Port of Hamburg.
+How far is Cologne from Hamburg?
About 356 km in a straight line.