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

Should you visit Basel or Strasbourg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Strasbourg, 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 cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a quaint, historic, and charming 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 Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Strasbourg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Strasbourg than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Strasbourg is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also well known for The Strasbourg Cathedral. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Basel and Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Strasbourg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Basel and Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Basel or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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 the Shopping Better in Basel or Strasbourg?

Both Basel and Strasbourg are excellent 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 Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Basel or Strasbourg Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Basel or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

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

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples 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 Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Strasbourg are nice 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.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Basel or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Basel is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Basel is very popular with students. 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.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Both Basel and Strasbourg offer excellent 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 Strasbourg can get you to most places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Basel or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Basel?

How long in Basel or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Strasbourg. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

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

One day in Basel or Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the museum-filled city of Basel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Basel, one day is sufficent for most.

In Strasbourg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Basel, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Five days in Basel or Strasbourg?

Basel, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Basel or Strasbourg?

Basel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Strasbourg. 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.

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 from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Strasbourg. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Strasbourg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Strasbourg. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

Basel is a little warmer than Strasbourg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Strasbourg in the Winter?

Both Strasbourg and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Strasbourg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Strasbourg. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. In the winter, Basel is much warmer than Strasbourg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Strasbourg. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Strasbourg. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Basel