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

Should you visit Basel or Howth?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Howth, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a beautiful, picturesque, and scenic fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Basel and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Basel than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Basel is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Basel and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. 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 Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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 Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Howth 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Basel or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Basel or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is notable for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Howth Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Howth Better for Hiking?

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

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Howth?

Basel is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Basel or Howth Better for Families?

Basel is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Basel or Howth Better for Couples?

Basel and Howth are both notable 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.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Basel or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Basel or Howth Better for Students?

Basel is well known for students. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Basel is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Basel or Howth a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Basel?

How long in Basel or Howth?

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

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

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant 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.

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing 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 Howth?

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

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

Basel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Basel. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Howth. Most people come for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Basel or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Howth. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Basel is a little warmer than Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Howth. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Howth. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Howth because of the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Basel is a little warmer than Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Howth. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Howth. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Howth. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm.

Basel is a little warmer than Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Basel