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

Should you visit Basel or Kitzbuhel?

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

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

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and world-class ski resort. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Basel and Kitzbuhel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Kitzbuhel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kitzbuhel than Basel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kitzbuhel is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Basel is more popular for its museums and shopping. Kitzbuhel is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is famous for The Kitzbüheler Horn. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Kitzbuhel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kitzbuhel and Basel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Basel or Kitzbuhel Better for Skiing?

Kitzbuhel is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, Basel is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Kitzbuhel is among the best in the world. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Basel is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Basel or Kitzbuhel?

Basel is great for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Nightlife?

Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Kitzbuhel both have very good 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.

Kitzbuhel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Is Basel or Kitzbuhel Better for Hiking?

Kitzbuhel is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Kitzbuhel draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Kitzbuhel?

Basel is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort 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 Kitzbuhel to go shopping. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.

Is Basel or Kitzbuhel Better for Families?

Basel and Kitzbuhel are both very good 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 Kitzbuhel. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

Is Basel or Kitzbuhel Better for Couples?

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

Kitzbuhel is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kitzbuhel is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded 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.

Is Basel or Kitzbuhel Better for Students?

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

Kitzbuhel is not popular with students.

Is Basel or Kitzbuhel 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. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its public transit.

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

Kitzbuhel has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

Is Basel or Kitzbuhel a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very walkable destination. The town is small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kitzbuhel or Basel?

How long in Basel or Kitzbuhel?

Both Basel and Kitzbuhel have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kitzbuhel than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 4-7 days is enough time in Kitzbuhel.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel.

One day in Basel or Kitzbuhel?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Kitzbuhel is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This ski resort 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 Kitzbuhel?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kitzbuhel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Kitzbuhel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Basel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kitzbuhel is a fun place to experience. Kitzbuhel is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Kitzbuhel?

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Kitzbuhel might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Austria, and The Best Luxury Tours to Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Kitzbuhel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kitzbuhel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Kitzbuhel, 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.