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

Should you visit Basel or Biarritz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Biarritz, 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Basel and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Basel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm, while Basel is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Basel offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is notable for its resorts. However, Basel is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Basel is not a resort destination.

Is Basel or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is notable for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Biarritz?

Both Basel and Biarritz are very good 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 Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Basel or Biarritz Better for Families?

Basel and Biarritz are both very good 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 Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Basel or Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Biarritz Better for Students?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Basel is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Basel is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Basel can get you to some places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Basel or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Basel is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Basel?

How long in Basel or Biarritz?

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Biarritz?

The beautiful city of Basel offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dynamic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside town 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 Biarritz?

Basel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Basel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Biarritz?

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Biarritz?

Basel is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Biarritz?

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

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Basel during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Basel is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basel. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Biarritz. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Biarritz. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Basel is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Basel as well as Biarritz. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Basel usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

Basel is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Basel usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Basel