A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Biarritz for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Biarritz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a peaceful, historic, and relaxing spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Baden-Baden and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Baden-Baden, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Baden-Baden is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Baden-Baden and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage. Baden-Baden is well known for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals.

How is Baden-Baden different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Baden-Baden is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Baden-Baden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Baden-Baden or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Baden-Baden is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Baden-Baden is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its evening party scene.

Biarritz offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Baden-Baden is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Baden-Baden is not a resort destination.


Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for the beache. However, Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Baden-Baden is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden is a good destination for hiking. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Baden-Baden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.


Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz Better for Families?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Baden-Baden and Biarritz are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Baden-Baden is a very kid-friendly spa town. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Baden-Baden and Biarritz are both very good to visit as a couple.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.


Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Biarritz is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

Biarritz has a few public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Baden-Baden or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable spa town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Both Baden-Baden and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Baden-Baden. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Baden-Baden 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 Biarritz.


  • How many days in Baden-Baden or Biarritz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baden-Baden 1-3 
    Biarritz 3-7

One day in Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

The spa town of Baden-Baden offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing seaside town of Biarritz. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Baden-Baden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this spa town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Baden-Baden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This seaside town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Baden-Baden is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural seaside town of Biarritz. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Baden-Baden is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This spa town offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Biarritz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Baden-Baden?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Baden-Baden is €154, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is €131. 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 Baden-Baden and Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baden-Baden 87
    Biarritz 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baden-Baden 174
    Biarritz 148
Compare Hotels in Baden-Baden and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Baden-Baden or Biarritz? 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 Baden-Baden


Hotels in Biarritz


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: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices and Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baden-Baden 33
    Biarritz 39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749

Is it cheaper to fly into Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz and Baden-Baden 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
    Baden-Baden 41
    Biarritz 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baden-Baden 34
    Biarritz 16

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

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

  • Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
  • Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baden-Baden 12
    Biarritz 8.05


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

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


Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

Baden-Baden has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden and Biarritz, 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 Baden-Baden or Biarritz?

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 Baden-Baden or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Baden-Baden during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Baden-Baden is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baden-Baden. In the summer, Baden-Baden often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Biarritz. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Biarritz. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Baden-Baden is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baden-Baden in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Biarritz. The winter months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

The weather in Baden-Baden can be very cold. In January, Baden-Baden is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 2°C (35°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

Baden-Baden is cooler than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)


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