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

Should you visit Basel or Tromso?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Tromso, 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 easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tromso

Tromso is a remote, one-of-a-kind, and spectacular town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Basel and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Tromso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Basel than Tromso, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Basel is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Tromso is known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. 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 Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Tromso 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 Tromso. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Tromso.

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 Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Basel or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Basel or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Tromso?

Basel is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Basel or Tromso Better for Families?

Basel and Tromso are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. 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 family-friendly things to do in Tromso. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Is Basel or Tromso Better for Couples?

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

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Tromso 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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Basel or Tromso Better for Students?

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

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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Basel is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Basel or Tromso a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its 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.

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Basel?

How long in Basel or Tromso?

Both Basel and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Tromso?

Basel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Tromso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Basel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Tromso?

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

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Tromso. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Tromso. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Basel is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Tromso. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during winter. Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Basel is much warmer than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tromso. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Tromso. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In the spring, Basel is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Tromso. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Basel