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

Should you visit Basel or Girona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Girona, 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 museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a colorful, medieval, and ancient city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Basel and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Girona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Girona than Basel. While Basel is larger than Girona, Girona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Girona is better known for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Basel is more popular for its nightlife. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Also, Girona is famous for The Girona Cathedral.

How is Basel different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Basel and Girona.

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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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

Girona 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 Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Basel or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona 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 Girona is revered around the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona?

Both Basel and Girona are great 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 Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Basel or Girona Better for Families?

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

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Basel or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Girona 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.

Girona is a good city to visit for backpackers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Basel or Girona Better for Students?

Basel is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Basel or Girona a more walkable city?

Basel and Girona both are world-class 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 Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Basel?

How long in Basel or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Basel or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Basel than Girona 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 Girona.

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

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

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.

In Girona, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Girona?

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 Girona. 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 Girona?

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.

Girona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Girona. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Girona?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is cooler than Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Girona. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Basel often gets less sunshine than Girona. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets less rain in October than Girona. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Girona. Most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Girona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Basel can be very cold during winter. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Girona. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Girona. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Girona. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

Basel is around the same temperature as Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Girona. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Girona. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Basel