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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Bonn?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Bonn? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Bonn?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Aberdeen than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Aberdeen, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is more popular for its big city activities, while Bonn is known for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Aberdeen different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Bonn?

Both Aberdeen and Bonn have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to Bonn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Bonn can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Bonn has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Aberdeen or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Both Aberdeen and Bonn are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Aberdeen or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Aberdeen and Bonn.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Bonn?

Bonn is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bonn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Aberdeen is very family-friendly. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Is Aberdeen or Bonn Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Bonn make for a good place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Aberdeen or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Bonn Better for Students?

Bonn is a well-known place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Bonn Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bonn is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bonn is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Bonn a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Bonn both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Bonn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aberdeen and Bonn. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bonn than Aberdeen. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bonn.

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Aberdeen. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bonn, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bonn than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bonn that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Aberdeen 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 Bonn.

One day in Aberdeen or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Bonn offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Bonn?

Aberdeen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bonn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bonn, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Aberdeen. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bonn is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Bonn?

The historic city of Aberdeen offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Bonn is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen and Bonn, we can see that Bonn 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 Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Bonn Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Bonn, 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 Aberdeen or Bonn?

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 Aberdeen or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Bonn. The summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

Aberdeen is cooler than Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Aberdeen is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Bonn. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Aberdeen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. In January, Aberdeen is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Bonn. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city.

Aberdeen is cooler than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Bonn. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Aberdeen