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

Should you visit Basel or Bonn?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Bonn, 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 cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Bonn?

Both Bonn and Basel have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Basel is very popular for its impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Basel different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Basel and Bonn.

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 Bonn. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Bonn both to be nice 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.

Bonn is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Basel or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Basel and Bonn.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Basel or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Bonn both have very good 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.

Bonn is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Bonn?

Both Basel and Bonn 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 Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Basel or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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.

Is Basel or Bonn Better for Couples?

Basel and Bonn are both nice 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.

Bonn is a good city for couples to visit. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Basel or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Bonn are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. 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.

Bonn is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Basel or Bonn Better for Students?

Basel and Bonn are both very good 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 Bonn. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Both Basel and Bonn offer very good public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Bonn can get you to most places easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Basel or Bonn a more walkable city?

Basel is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Basel?

How long in Basel or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Bonn. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Basel than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn. 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 Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the easily accessible 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.

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bonn. 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 Bonn?

The easily accessible 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 lively destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Bonn. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Basel is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Bonn. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Bonn because of the shopping scene.

Basel is a little warmer than Bonn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Bonn. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. In the winter, Basel is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bonn averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Bonn. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In April, Basel is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Bonn. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Basel