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

Should you visit Basel or Hamburg?

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

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

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Basel and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Hamburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hamburg than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hamburg is more popular for its nightlife and music, while Basel is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Basel and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also home to St. Michael's Church. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Basel and Hamburg.

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 Hamburg. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Basel or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Hamburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Basel or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Hamburg The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Basel or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Hamburg?

Both Basel and Hamburg are excellent 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 Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Basel or Hamburg Better for Families?

Basel and Hamburg are both excellent 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 Hamburg. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Is Basel or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Basel and Hamburg are both good to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Hamburg is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Basel or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Hamburg are good 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.

Hamburg is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Basel or Hamburg Better for Students?

Basel is well known for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Basel is very popular with students. 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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Both Basel and Hamburg offer excellent public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Hamburg can get you to most places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Basel or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Basel is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Basel?

How long in Basel or Hamburg?

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

Families should spend more time in Basel than Hamburg. 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Hamburg?

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 museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Hamburg?

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

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Hamburg. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Hamburg averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hamburg this time of the year. In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Hamburg. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In October, Basel is generally a little warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in October than Hamburg. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. Basel is much warmer than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Basel or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Basel is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Hamburg averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Hamburg. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Basel