A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Amsterdam for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Old Town

Should you visit Basel or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Amsterdam, 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.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Basel and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Amsterdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Basel. Amsterdam is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Basel is more popular for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Basel and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Basel and Amsterdam.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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

Basel is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Basel. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Basel or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Amsterdam just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

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 Basel or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Basel or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Amsterdam both have superb historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. 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.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Amsterdam?

Both Basel and Amsterdam are superb shopping destinations.

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Basel or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Basel is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Basel or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

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

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

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 Basel or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

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 Basel or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Basel is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with 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.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Amsterdam can get you around easily. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Basel or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Basel and Amsterdam both are amazing when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Basel?

How long in Basel or Amsterdam?

Both Basel and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Basel or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A weekend in Basel or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the museum-filled destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Basel or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the museum-filled city of Basel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Amsterdam?

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Amsterdam, 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 Basel or Amsterdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Basel or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Amsterdam. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Basel is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Amsterdam. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Amsterdam. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. In January, Basel is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Basel is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Amsterdam. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Basel