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

Should you visit Basel or Florence?

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

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

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than Basel. Florence is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Florence 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, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Basel and Florence.

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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Basel or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence 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 Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 the Shopping Better in Basel or Florence?

Both Basel and Florence are superb 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Basel or Florence Better for Families?

Basel is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Basel or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence 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.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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 Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence 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.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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 Florence 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, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Basel can get you to some places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Basel or Florence a more walkable city?

Basel and Florence both are amazing 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 Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Basel?

How long in Basel or Florence?

Both Basel and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in Basel or Florence?

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.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this alluring destination offers. 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 Florence?

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 Florence. 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 Florence?

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.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Florence?

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.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this alluring destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Basel is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Florence. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is cooler than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Florence. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Florence. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Florence. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

Basel is cooler than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florence. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Basel