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

Should you visit Basel or Glencoe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Glencoe, 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 historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a natural, serene, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Basel and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel. Although Basel and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Basel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Basel is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Glencoe is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Basel different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Glencoe both to be good 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.

Glencoe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Basel or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Basel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Basel or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Basel is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

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.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

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

Glencoe is a popular spot for hiking. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Glencoe?

Basel is well known for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Basel or Glencoe Better for Families?

Basel and Glencoe are both high quality 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 Glencoe. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Basel or Glencoe Better for Couples?

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

Glencoe is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

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 Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Basel or Glencoe Better for Students?

Basel is well known for students. However, Glencoe is not popular with students.

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.

Glencoe is not popular with students.

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

Basel is well known for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Basel or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Basel?

How long in Basel or Glencoe?

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

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

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

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Glencoe, many people enjoy the food that this natural destination offers. 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 Glencoe?

In Basel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer.

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

Basel is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glencoe is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. 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 Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food around the natural destination of Glencoe. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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