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

Should you visit Basel or Hvar?

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

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

Hvar

Hvar is a beautiful, vibrant, and energetic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Basel and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hvar than Basel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hvar is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Basel is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Hvar is more touristy than Basel and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Also, Hvar is famous for Hvar Fort. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Hvar just to party. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Basel or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Basel is notable for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Hvar has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Hvar?

Basel is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Basel or Hvar Better for Families?

Basel and Hvar 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Basel or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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.

Is Basel or Hvar Better for Students?

Basel is notable for students. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Basel is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Basel or Hvar a more walkable city?

Basel is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Basel?

How long in Basel or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Basel or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Basel 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 Hvar.

One day in Basel or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This island 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 Hvar?

Basel is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the museum-filled destination of Basel. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hvar. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Hvar?

The easily accessible city of Basel offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the party-oriented destination of Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Hvar?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Hvar. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Basel often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Basel or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Hvar. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Basel is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives less rain than Hvar. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Basel is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Basel