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

Should you visit Basel or Linz?

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

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

Linz

Linz is a beautiful, cultural, and historic town. 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 food.

Basel and Linz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Linz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Basel than Linz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Linz is more touristy than Basel and is known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. 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 Linz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Basel and Linz.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Linz 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.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Basel or Linz Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Basel or Linz Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Linz?

Both Basel and Linz are high quality shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Is Basel or Linz Better for Families?

Basel is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Linz is a family-friendly city. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Basel or Linz Better for Couples?

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

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

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 Linz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Linz 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.

Linz is a good city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Basel or Linz Better for Students?

Basel is a well-known place for students. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Basel or Linz a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Linz is a very walkable destination. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Linz or Basel?

How long in Basel or Linz?

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

Families should spend more time in Basel than Linz. 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.

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

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 Linz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. This 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 Linz?

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 Linz. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Linz?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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.

Linz is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Linz. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Linz?

The vibrant 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 food and shopping around the historic destination of Linz. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Linz?

Linz has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Linz, 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 Linz?

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 Linz in the Summer?

Both Linz 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 Linz for the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is around the same temperature as Linz in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Linz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Linz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Linz during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Linz. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Linz receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Linz in the Autumn?

Both Linz 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Linz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Linz. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 129 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in October than Linz. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Linz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Linz in the Winter?

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

Linz can be very cold during winter. Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Basel is generally much warmer than Linz. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Linz fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Linz during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Linz. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Linz receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Linz in the Spring?

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

Basel is around the same temperature as Linz in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Linz. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Linz. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Linz receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Linz and Basel