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

Should you visit Basel or Lillehammer?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Lillehammer, 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 beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Basel and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Basel and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Lillehammer has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lillehammer is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm, while Basel attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also well known for Lillehammer Olympic Park.

How is Basel different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Basel or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is notable for snow skiing. However, Basel is not a skiing destination.

People head to Lillehammer specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Basel is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Basel and Lillehammer.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Basel or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

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

Lillehammer is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Lillehammer?

Basel is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Basel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Basel or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Basel and Lillehammer are both superb 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 Lillehammer. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Is Basel or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

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

Lillehammer is a very popular place to visit for couples. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor 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 Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Lillehammer are nice 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.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Basel or Lillehammer Better for Students?

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

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Basel is well known for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Basel or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Basel?

How long in Basel or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Basel or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel than Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the easily accessible city of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lillehammer, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city 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 Lillehammer?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

The beautiful city of Basel offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lillehammer. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and skiing around the natural destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Lillehammer?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Lillehammer, 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.