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

Should you visit Basel or Reims?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Reims, 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 historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural 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.

Basel and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Reims?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel. Although Basel and Reims are both popular with visitors, Basel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Basel is more popular for its museums and historical sights, while Reims is known for its food. Reims is more touristy than Basel and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Basel different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Reims.

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 Reims. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Basel or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Basel is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Reims?

Both Basel and Reims are superb 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Basel or Reims Better for Families?

Basel is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Basel or Reims Better for Couples?

Reims 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.

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Reims 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.

Reims is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Basel or Reims Better for Students?

Basel is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

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

Basel offers a very effecient public transportation network. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Basel or Reims a more walkable city?

Basel is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Basel?

How long in Basel or Reims?

In either Basel or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Basel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

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

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Reims, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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

Basel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Reims is a fun place to experience. In Reims, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the easily accessible destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Reims. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Reims. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In the summer, Basel is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Reims. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Reims. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Reims can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. Basel is around the same temperature as Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Reims during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Reims. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Basel is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Reims. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reims and Basel