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

Should you visit Basel or Berlin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Berlin, 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 vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Basel and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Berlin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Basel. Berlin is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Basel is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Basel. 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.

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

Berlin is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Berlin. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin 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 Berlin just to party. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin 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 Berlin From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Basel or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a great city for its old town. However, Berlin does not have a historic old town.

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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Berlin?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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.

Is Basel or Berlin Better for Families?

Basel and Berlin are both superb 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 Berlin. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Basel or Berlin Better for Couples?

Basel and Berlin are both notable 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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Basel or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin 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 Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Berlin is a great destination for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. 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.

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

Berlin 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 Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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 Berlin a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Basel?

How long in Basel or Berlin?

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Berlin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Berlin?

Basel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Basel or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the easily accessible destination of Basel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

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 Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Berlin. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

Basel is a little warmer than Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. 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 Berlin. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Basel or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Basel is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Berlin. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Berlin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Berlin can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. In January, Basel is generally much warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Berlin. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Berlin. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berlin for the activities around the city during these months.

Basel is a little warmer than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Berlin. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Basel