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

Should you visit Basel or Kinsale?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Kinsale, 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 vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Basel and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Kinsale?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Basel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Basel is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Kinsale is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

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 Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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

Kinsale is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kinsale is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Basel has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Basel or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Kinsale both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. 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.

Kinsale is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Basel or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

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

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Kinsale?

Basel is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Basel is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Basel or Kinsale Better for Families?

Basel is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Basel is very family-friendly. 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Basel or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Basel and Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is a good city for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Basel or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is Basel or Kinsale Better for Students?

Basel is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Basel is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Basel or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Basel?

How long in Basel or Kinsale?

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

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

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.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This seaside town 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 Kinsale?

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 Kinsale. 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 Kinsale?

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.

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Kinsale?

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.

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Kinsale?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Basel or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Kinsale. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Kinsale. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale 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 Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

Kinsale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Kinsale. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Basel is a little warmer than Kinsale in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Basel