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

Should you visit Basel or Fussen?

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

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

Fussen

Fussen is a storybook, quaint, and charming town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Basel and Fussen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Fussen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Basel than Fussen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Basel is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Fussen is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Fussen is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its romantic atmosphere and its proximity to the Neuschwanstein Castle. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town. Also, Basel is famous for The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Basel different from Fussen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is great for its historical sights. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fussen. Most people stopping in town are on their way to or from the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most famous castles in Germany as many people say it was the inspiration for the Disney Castle.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Fussen both to be notable 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.

Fussen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many restaurants embrace the fairytale setting and offer their own storybook atmosphere. This is a well worn tourist path, so you'll find a number of restaurants serving traditional dishes specifically for the tourists.

Is Basel or Fussen Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Fussen is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Basel or Fussen Better for its Old Town?

Fussen 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 Fussen is revered around the world. The small old town is filled with classic German charm.

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 Fussen Better for Hiking?

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

Fussen is a popular spot for hiking. The countryside offers a number of beautiful trails that pass through forests and meadows. You'll also find waterfalls and nice viewpoints. The hikes are very well marked with excellent signage.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Fussen?

Basel is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Basel is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Fussen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Basel or Fussen Better for Families?

Basel is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fussen is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Fussen is a family-friendly place to visit. Neuschwanstein Castle is not far away, and it's a big part of why some families may stay in this small town. Kids will also enjoy wandering around the old town and grabbing ice cream. Just outside of town is Lechfall, which is a manmade waterfall and a little further is the Treetop Walkway. The surrounding area also has a lot of natural beauty as well as giant alpine slides.

Is Basel or Fussen Better for Couples?

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

Fussen is a very popular place to visit for couples. It sits at the end of Germany's Romantic Road and the small town does not disappoint. For many, it's a stopover while visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, but the surrounding countryside is also beautiful and worth exploring.

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 Fussen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Fussen are notable 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.

Fussen is a good city to visit for backpackers. For its small size, the town has a number of hostels to choose from. Prices are reasonable, so this is a nice option for backpackers passing through the area.

Is Basel or Fussen Better for Students?

Basel is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Fussen 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.

Fussen is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Fussen has a few public transit options. There are buses through the region including buses to Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is Basel or Fussen a more walkable city?

Basel and Fussen 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 Fussen. It's easy to walk from one side of the old town to the other in half an hour.

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

Should I spend more time in Fussen or Basel?

How long in Basel or Fussen?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Fussen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Fussen?

Basel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Fussen is a fun place to experience. Fussen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Fussen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Basel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Fussen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Basel and Fussen, we can see that Basel is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Fussen?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Fussen. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Fussen, 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.