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

Should you visit Basel or Nice?

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

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

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Basel and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Nice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nice than Basel. Nice is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Basel is more popular for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Basel and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice 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 Nice just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Basel is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Basel is not a resort destination.

Is Basel or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Basel or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Nice 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.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Nice?

Both Basel and Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Basel or Nice Better for Families?

Basel is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Basel or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Nice 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.

Nice is a good city to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Basel or Nice Better for Students?

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

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Basel and Nice offer high quality public transit options.

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

The public transit in Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

Is Basel or Nice a more walkable city?

Basel and Nice both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Basel?

How long in Basel or Nice?

In either Basel or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Basel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

One day in Basel or Nice?

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 Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this glamourous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

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 Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful 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.

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Nice?

The cultural 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 scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice 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 Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is around the same temperature as Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Nice. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice 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 Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is cooler than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Nice. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for 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 Nice. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Should I visit Basel or Nice in the Spring?

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

Basel is cooler than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Nice. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Basel