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

Should you visit Basel or Budapest?

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

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

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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.

Basel and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Basel. Budapest is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Basel is more popular for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Basel and Budapest.

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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Basel is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Basel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Basel or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Budapest both have excellent 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.

Budapest is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Budapest?

Both Basel and Budapest are excellent 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Basel or Budapest Better for Families?

Basel is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Basel is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Basel or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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 Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest 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 Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest a more walkable city?

Basel and Budapest both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Basel?

How long in Basel or Budapest?

In either Basel or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

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

One day in Basel or Budapest?

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.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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 Budapest?

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.

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

A week in Basel or Budapest?

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 nightlife and shopping around the bustling big city of Budapest. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In the autumn, Basel is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Budapest. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. In January, Basel is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Budapest. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Budapest. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Basel