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

Should you visit Basel or Cologne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Cologne, 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 historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Cologne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Cologne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cologne than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cologne is more popular for its nightlife, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Basel is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Cologne is more touristy than Basel and is known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also home to The Cologne Cathedral. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Basel different from Cologne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Cologne. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Cologne both to be good 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.

Cologne is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Basel or Cologne Better for Nightlife?

Cologne 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.

Cologne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

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 Cologne Better for its Old Town?

Basel is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Cologne?

Both Basel and Cologne 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 Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Is Basel or Cologne Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Basel does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Basel does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Basel or Cologne Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a world-class destination for its Christmas markets. However, Basel does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to Cologne specifically for the Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Basel does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Basel or Cologne Better for Families?

Basel and Cologne 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 Cologne. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Is Basel or Cologne Better for Couples?

Basel and Cologne are both good 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.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Basel or Cologne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Cologne are good 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.

Cologne is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Basel or Cologne Better for Students?

Basel and Cologne 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 Cologne. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can get you around easily. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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 Cologne a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Cologne is very walkable. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cologne or Basel?

How long in Basel or Cologne?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Cologne. In our opinion, Cologne has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cologne than Basel. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Basel or Cologne?

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

In Basel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer.

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

Basel is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cologne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Cologne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Cologne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the accessible big city of Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Cologne?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Cologne, 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 Cologne?

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 Cologne in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Basel is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Cologne averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Cologne. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Cologne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Cologne. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cologne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Cologne. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in October than Cologne. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Cologne in the Winter?

Both Cologne 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 Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cologne in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. Basel is around the same temperature as Cologne in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Cologne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Cologne. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Cologne in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Basel is a little warmer than Cologne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Cologne averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cologne. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Cologne. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cologne and Basel