A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. The Hague for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Basel or The Hague?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or The Hague, 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 food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Basel and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Basel or The Hague?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hague than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. The Hague is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Basel attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Basel is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also well known for The Peace Palace.

How is Basel different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel
The Hague

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Basel specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Basel
The Hague

The Hague 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 The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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 The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Basel
The Hague

The Hague is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

The Hague has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague Better for Music?

Basel
The Hague

The Hague is notable for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Basel is not a live music destination.


Is Basel or The Hague Better for its Old Town?

Basel
The Hague

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or The Hague?

Basel
The Hague

Both Basel and The Hague 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 The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Is Basel or The Hague Better for Families?

Basel
The Hague

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.


Is Basel or The Hague Better for Couples?

Basel
The Hague

Basel and The Hague are both nice to visit as a couple.

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.

The Hague is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Basel or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel
The Hague

Both Basel and The Hague 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.

The Hague is a good city to visit for backpackers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Basel or The Hague Better for Students?

Basel
The Hague

The Hague is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

The Hague is a great destination for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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.


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

Basel
The Hague

Both Basel and The Hague 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 The Hague can get you to most places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is Basel or The Hague a more walkable city?

Basel
The Hague

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Basel?

How long in Basel or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and The Hague. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Basel than The Hague. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hague 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 The Hague.


  • How many days in Basel or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Basel 1-3 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Basel or The Hague?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in The Hague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 The Hague?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the museum-filled destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Basel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or The Hague?

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find live music and food around the bustling big city of The Hague. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Basel?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Basel is $236, while the average daily cost in The Hague is $191. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Basel and The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basel $143
    The Hague $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basel $286
    The Hague $224
Compare Hotels in Basel and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Basel or The Hague? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Basel


Hotels in The Hague


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Basel Hotel Prices and The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basel $45
    The Hague $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • Round Trip Private Transfer From Basel EuroAirport to Feldberg: $87
  • Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
  • Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $261
  • Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251
  • Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
  • Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
  • Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
  • ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
  • Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into Basel or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague and Basel change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Basel $61
    The Hague $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basel $37
    The Hague $37

Tours and Activities in Basel

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:

  • Alpine Majesty: Basel to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Basel: $650
  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Basel : Old Town Walking Tour: $107
  • Basel : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $82
  • Basel Adventure Tour - The city quiz: $37
  • Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
  • Basel City: Private guided Segway Tour: $196
  • Basel Family Adventure: Exploring Historic & Artistic Gems: $543
  • Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Basel History Tour for Groups: $328
  • Basel Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Gilde Den Haag: City Walking Tour NL-DEU-ENG: $8.56
  • The Hague Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Escher in The Palace Museum Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basel $33
    The Hague $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
  • Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
  • Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
  • Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Basel or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Basel during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally a little warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basel. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than The Hague. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basel 21°C (70°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Basel or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and The Hague. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

Basel is a little warmer than The Hague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hague. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basel 13°C (56°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Basel or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Basel as well as The Hague. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hague. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. In the winter, Basel is a little warmer than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than The Hague. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basel 3°C (37°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Basel or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to The Hague in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Basel is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as The Hague during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than The Hague. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basel 12°C (53°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Basel

Basel The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)