A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne, 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 relaxing, nature-oriented, and peaceful spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Baden-Baden and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Baden-Baden than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baden-Baden is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Also, Baden-Baden is famous for The Thermal Baths. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Baden-Baden different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Baden-Baden and Saint-Etienne.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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

Baden-Baden is an amazing spa town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Baden-Baden, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Both Baden-Baden and Saint-Etienne are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden and Saint-Etienne are both places where visitors can find notable hiking trails.

Baden-Baden has hiking trails worth exploring. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

Baden-Baden is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Baden-Baden. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Baden-Baden is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baden-Baden is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Baden-Baden is a great spa town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden and Saint-Etienne both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable spa town. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Baden-Baden than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

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

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

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

One day in Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Baden-Baden. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the industrial city of Saint-Etienne. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Baden-Baden. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 park-filled city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the spa town of Baden-Baden. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baden-Baden and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Baden-Baden is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Baden-Baden is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baden-Baden this time of the year. In the summer, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Baden-Baden is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baden-Baden in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Baden-Baden during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Baden-Baden can be very cold during winter. In January, Baden-Baden is generally much colder than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 2°C (35°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Saint-Etienne. The spring months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Baden-Baden is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Baden-Baden