A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Basel for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Auckland or Basel?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Auckland travel costs.

Basel

Basel is a vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of Basel is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Basel travel costs.

Auckland and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Basel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Auckland than Basel. Auckland is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Auckland is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Basel is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. Also, Auckland is famous for the Sky Tower. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Auckland different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or Basel?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Basel.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Auckland. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Auckland has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for Beaches?

Auckland is notable for the beach. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Basel?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Auckland and Basel.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Auckland or Basel More Beautiful?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Basel is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Situated along the river, this city is beautiful to explore on foot.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Basel.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Basel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for Couples?

Auckland is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Auckland is a great city to visit for backpackers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for Students?

Both Auckland and Basel are excellent destinations for students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Is Auckland or Basel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Basel can get you around easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Basel. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Basel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Basel 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 Auckland.

One day in Auckland or Basel?

Each neighborhood in Auckland has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Basel 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 Auckland or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Basel 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 Basel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Basel?

Auckland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Auckland. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel 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 Auckland or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the adrenaline-filled big city of Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Basel 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Basel 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 Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Basel?

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

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

Should I visit Auckland or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Basel. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences.

Auckland is around the same temperature as Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In the summer, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baselin July. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets less rain in January than Baselin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Auckland is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auckland in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F)in October.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Basel during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Auckland usually receives more rain than Baselin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auckland or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Auckland during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can be very cold during winter. In July, Auckland is generally much warmer than Baselin January. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 11°C (52°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Baselin January. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually gets more rain in July than Baselin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Basel. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.

Auckland is a little warmer than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 14°C (58°F) in October, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in April.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Auckland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baselin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Auckland