A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Tihany for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Basel or Tihany?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Tihany, 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.

Where Should I go: Basel or Tihany?

Basel

Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is $44. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basel $143
    Tihany $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basel $286
    Tihany $38
Compare Hotels in Basel and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Basel or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basel $45
    Tihany $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Basel or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basel $37
    Tihany $4.82

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 Tihany

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basel $33
    Tihany $6.58

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 Tihany

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

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Basel or Tihany?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Tihany in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Tihany. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tihany. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Tihany. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basel 21°C (70°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Basel or Tihany in the Autumn?

Both Tihany and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Basel is a little warmer than Tihany. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Tihany averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Tihany. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basel 13°C (56°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Basel or Tihany in the Winter?

Both Tihany and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Tihany in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally much warmer than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Tihany fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Basel 3°C (37°F) 
    Tihany -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Basel or Tihany in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Tihany. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

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

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Tihany. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basel 12°C (53°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Basel

Basel Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)