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

Should you visit Basel or Auxerre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Auxerre, 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 easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Basel and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel. Although Basel and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Basel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Basel is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its small town charm. Basel is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Basel different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

Basel is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Basel specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Auxerre both to be good destinations.

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.

Auxerre is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Basel or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Basel is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Basel has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Basel or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Basel is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Auxerre?

Basel is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Basel or Auxerre Better for Families?

Basel is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Basel or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Basel and Auxerre are both good to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Auxerre is a good city for couples to visit. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Basel or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Basel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Basel or Auxerre Better for Students?

Basel is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Basel is very popular with students. 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Basel is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Basel or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Basel?

How long in Basel or Auxerre?

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Auxerre?

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Auxerre, many people enjoy the food and museums that this under-rated destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Auxerre?

In Basel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Auxerre?

Basel is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Auxerre is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Auxerre. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the under-rated destination of Auxerre. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Auxerre?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

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 Basel or Auxerre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Auxerre. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Auxerre averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auxerre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Auxerre. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In October, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Auxerre in the Winter?

Both Auxerre and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. Basel is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Auxerre. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Auxerre. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Basel is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Basel