A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Flam for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Basel or Flam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Flam, 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 cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Basel and Flam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Flam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Basel. Although Basel and Flam are popular destinations, Basel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Basel is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Flam attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and small town charm. Flam is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also well known for The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Basel different from Flam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is a great city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Basel. 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.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

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

Flam 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 Flam. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

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 Flam Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Basel has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Basel or Flam Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a great city for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Flam Better for Hiking?

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

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Flam?

Basel is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Basel or Flam Better for Families?

Basel and Flam are both great 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 Flam. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

Is Basel or Flam Better for Couples?

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

Flam is a very popular place to visit for couples. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

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 Flam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Flam are nice 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.

Flam is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Basel or Flam Better for Students?

Basel is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Flam is not popular with students.

Is Basel or Flam 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, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors to Basel can move around easily with public transportation. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Basel or Flam a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its high level of walkability.

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

Flam is a very walkable city. There are many great walks in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Flam or Basel?

How long in Basel or Flam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Basel or Flam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Basel than Flam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Flam.

Families should spend more time in Basel than Flam. 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.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Even though Flam is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This village 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 Flam?

Basel is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the museum-filled destination of Basel. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Flam is a fun place to experience. Flam is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Flam?

The cultural city of Basel offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Flam is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Adventure Tours to Norway, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Flam?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Flam, 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 Flam?

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 Flam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Flam. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Flam in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally a little warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Flam fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Flam. Basel usually gets less rain in July than Flam. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Flam receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Flam in the Autumn?

Both Flam and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Flam for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Basel is a little warmer than Flam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Flam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Flam. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Flam receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Flam in the Winter?

Both Flam and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Flam because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Flam can be very cold. Basel can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Basel is much warmer than Flam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Flam averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in January than Flam. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Flam receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Flam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Flam. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Flam this time of year.

In April, Basel is generally much warmer than Flam. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Flam fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Flam receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Basel usually receives less rain than Flam. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Flam receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Flam and Basel