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

Should you visit Basel or Connemara?

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

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

Connemara

Connemara is a breathtaking, scenic, and natural region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Basel and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Connemara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel. Although Basel and Connemara are both popular with visitors, Basel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Basel is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Connemara is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Basel is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Basel different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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

Connemara 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 Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

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 Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Basel or Connemara Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Connemara. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Connemara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Connemara?

Basel is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Basel. 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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Basel or Connemara Better for Families?

Basel is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Basel or Connemara Better for Couples?

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

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

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 Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Basel or Connemara Better for Students?

Basel is a well-known place for students. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Basel offers a very effecient public transportation network. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Basel or Connemara a more walkable city?

Basel is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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

Connemara is not a very walkable city. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Basel?

How long in Basel or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Connemara. In our opinion, Basel has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Basel than Connemara. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Connemara, many people enjoy the food and museums that this remote destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This region 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 Connemara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the museum-filled destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the museum-filled city of Basel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Connemara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Connemara. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Connemara?

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Connemara. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Basel or Connemara?

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 Connemara in the Summer?

Both Connemara and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Basel is a little warmer than Connemara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Connemara averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Connemara. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Connemara in the Autumn?

Both Connemara and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Connemara because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally a little warmer than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Connemara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Connemara. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

The weather in Basel can be very cold. Basel is much colder than Connemara in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Connemara receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Basel usually receives less rain than Connemara. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Connemara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Connemara. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Basel is a little warmer than Connemara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Connemara averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Connemara. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Basel