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

Should you visit Basel or Positano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Positano, 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 easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Basel and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Basel and Positano are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Basel is known for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano 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, Positano is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

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 Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Basel or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Basel is not a resort destination.

Is Basel or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for its diving and snorkeling. However, Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Basel or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

Positano has a beach worth visiting. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Basel or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Positano is revered around the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

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.

Is Basel or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

Positano is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Positano?

Both Basel and Positano are great 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 Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Basel or Positano Better for Families?

Basel is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Basel or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano 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.

Positano has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

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 Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Positano are good 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.

Positano is a good city to visit for backpackers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Basel or Positano Better for Students?

Basel is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

Is Basel or Positano 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, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Basel or Positano a more walkable city?

Basel and Positano both are world-class 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 Positano. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Basel?

How long in Basel or Positano?

Both Basel and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

One day in Basel or Positano?

The beautiful city of Basel offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This Mediterranean village 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 Positano?

Basel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Basel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano is a fun place to experience. Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Positano?

Basel is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Positano 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. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Basel and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Positano?

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

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Positano. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Positano in the Autumn?

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

In October, Basel is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Positano. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Basel can be very cold during winter. Basel is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Positano. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Positano. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the spring, Basel is cooler than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Positano. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Basel