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

Should you visit Basel or Bari?

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

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

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Basel and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bari is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Basel is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Basel is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Basel different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Basel and Bari.

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 Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Basel or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari 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.

Bari has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Bari both have great 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.

Bari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Bari?

Basel is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Basel or Bari Better for Families?

Basel and Bari are both great destinations for the whole family.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Basel or Bari Better for Couples?

Basel and Bari 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.

Bari is a good city for couples to visit. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Basel or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

Basel and Bari are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Basel or Bari a more walkable city?

Basel is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Basel?

How long in Basel or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Bari. In our opinion, Bari has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bari than Basel. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Basel or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city 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 Bari?

Basel is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. 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 Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Basel. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bari. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Bari?

The cultural city of Basel offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Bari. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Basel is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bari. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Bari in the Winter?

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

Basel can be very cold during winter. Basel is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Bari. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Bari. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the spring, Basel is cooler than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Bari. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Basel