A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Bonn for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Adelaide or Bonn?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Bonn can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Adelaide or Bonn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adelaide than Bonn, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Adelaide is more popular for its beaches and hiking, while Bonn is known for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Adelaide is popular for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. It is also home to the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Adelaide different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Adelaide
Bonn

Bonn is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bonn. 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.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.


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

Adelaide
Bonn

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Adelaide and Bonn.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. 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 Adelaide or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide
Bonn

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Adelaide and Bonn.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Bonn has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Adelaide or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Adelaide
Bonn

Adelaide is a great city for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Adelaide is considered a top beach destination. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Bonn is not a beach destination.


Is Adelaide or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Adelaide
Bonn

Bonn is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Bonn is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Adelaide does not have a historic old town.

Is Adelaide or Bonn Better for Hiking?

Adelaide
Bonn

Adelaide is a popular place for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Adelaide is a good destination for hiking. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Bonn?

Adelaide
Bonn

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Adelaide and Bonn.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.


Is Adelaide or Bonn Better for Families?

Adelaide
Bonn

Bonn is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Bonn Better for Couples?

Adelaide
Bonn

Both Adelaide and Bonn are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Adelaide is a nice destination for couples. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

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 Adelaide or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide
Bonn

Adelaide and Bonn are both good destinations for backpackers.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Plenty of backpackers 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.


Is Adelaide or Bonn Better for Students?

Adelaide
Bonn

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

Students come from all over to stay in Bonn. 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.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

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

Adelaide
Bonn

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Adelaide and Bonn.

Public transit in Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Bonn has some very good public transit options. 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.

Is Adelaide or Bonn a more walkable city?

Adelaide
Bonn

Adelaide and Bonn are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adelaide and Bonn. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adelaide than in Bonn. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bonn.

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Adelaide. 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.

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


  • How many days in Adelaide or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adelaide 2-4 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Adelaide or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Adelaide or Bonn?

Adelaide is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Adelaide or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Adelaide. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Adelaide or Bonn?

The elegant city of Adelaide offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Adelaide?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $111, while the average daily cost in Bonn is $165. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adelaide and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $66
    Bonn $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $132
    Bonn $182
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Bonn? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Adelaide


Hotels in Bonn


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Adelaide Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $19
    Bonn $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Full-Day Private City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $496
  • Adelaide Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Adelaide city: $254
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide Port: $254
  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $246
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide hotels: $220
  • ADL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $119
  • Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $109
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $106
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $92
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Adelaide - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Adelaide change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adelaide $31
    Bonn $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $23
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $79
  • Cooking classes Goolwa: $129
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $192
  • Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $230

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $14
    Bonn $37

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2h Wine Experience, Vineyard walk, 6 wines, charcuterie board: $59
  • 3-Day Yorkes Peninsula Coastal Wilderness Tour from Adelaide: $1,649
  • 5-Day Flinders Ranges & Outback Eco Tour from Adelaide: $1,980
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $58
  • A Taste of Rundle Mall Walking Tour: $48
  • Abseiling Adventure in Adelaide: $98
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $46
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $53
  • Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour: $111
  • Adelaide Gaol Adults Ghost Tour & Investigation: $28
  • Adelaide Hills Day Tour. Winery Cellar Doors: $165

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $121
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $52
  • Bonn Crime-Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Musikerviertel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $223
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.58
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $7.31
  • Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven): $323
  • Bonn and Bad Godesberg hop-on hop-off tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $23
    Bonn $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $30
  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $43
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $52
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $79
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $79
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $112
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $112
  • The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $112
  • Barossa Small Group Wine Tours - Local Guide: $131
  • Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $131
  • Adelaide Hills Full Day Wine Tour: $131


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Bonn, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Bonn is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Adelaide would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adelaide 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn than you might in Adelaide.

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


Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Bonn?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide 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 Adelaide or Bonn?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Adelaide is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bonn has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Adelaide or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Bonn. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Adelaide is a little warmer than Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Bonnin July. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Bonn. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Adelaide is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Adelaide in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Bonnin October. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Bonnin October. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. In July, Adelaide is generally much warmer than Bonnin January. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 11°C (52°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Bonnin January. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches.

Adelaide is much warmer than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Bonnin April. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Bonnin April. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Adelaide

Adelaide Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)