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

Should you visit Basel or Bordeaux?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Bordeaux, 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 museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Bordeaux?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Basel. Bordeaux is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is better known for its food and big city activities, while Basel is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Basel and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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, Bordeaux is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Basel and Bordeaux.

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 Bordeaux. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Basel or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Bordeaux?

Both Basel and Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Basel or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Basel is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Basel or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Bordeaux are notable 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.

Bordeaux is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Basel or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Basel and Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Both Basel and Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux can get you to most places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Basel or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Basel?

How long in Basel or Bordeaux?

In either Basel or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Basel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel than Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Bordeaux?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Bordeaux. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Basel or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Basel is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Bordeaux this time of year.

The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In January, Basel usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Bordeaux. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Basel