A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Basel or Saint-Etienne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Saint-Etienne, 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 vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Basel and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Saint-Etienne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Basel than Saint-Etienne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Basel is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking. Basel is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. Also, Basel is famous for The Kunstmuseum Basel. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Basel different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Basel is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Basel or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Basel is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Basel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Basel and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Basel is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Basel. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Saint-Etienne?

Basel is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Basel is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Basel is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Basel is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Basel is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Basel is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Basel can get you to some places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Basel or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Basel?

How long in Basel or Saint-Etienne?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the easily accessible destination of Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this historic destination offers. This city 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the easily accessible destination of Basel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

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

A week in Basel or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Basel. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Basel is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Basel can be very cold during winter. In January, Basel is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Saint-Etienne. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

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

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Basel