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

Should you visit Basel or Dubrovnik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Dubrovnik, 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 easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a cultural, coastal, and historic coastal town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Basel and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Dubrovnik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Basel and Dubrovnik are both popular with visitors, Dubrovnik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubrovnik is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Basel is known for its shopping. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also home to The Old Town Walls. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Dubrovnik. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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

Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Dubrovnik.

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 Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Basel or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is notable for its resorts. However, Basel is not a resort destination.

Dubrovnik is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Basel is not a resort destination.

Is Basel or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a moderate coastal town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Basel or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

Dubrovnik has a beach worth visiting. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Dubrovnik is revered around the world. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is Basel or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Dubrovnik?

Basel is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Basel or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Basel and Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Basel or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Dubrovnik has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Basel is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

Basel is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Basel or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Basel and Dubrovnik both are fantastic 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 Dubrovnik. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Basel?

How long in Basel or Dubrovnik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town 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 Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful 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 Dubrovnik. 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 Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful 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.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Dubrovnik?

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 food and shopping around the famous destination of Dubrovnik. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Dubrovnik?

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

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Basel is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik this time of year.

The weather in Basel can be very cold. Basel is much colder than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Dubrovnik. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Basel is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Basel usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Basel