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

Should you visit Basel or Venice?

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

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

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Basel and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Venice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Basel is known for its nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Venice both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Basel. 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.

Venice is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Basel or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Basel is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Basel has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Basel or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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 Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 Venice?

Venice is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Venice make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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.

Is Basel or Venice Better for Families?

Basel and Venice are both excellent 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 Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Basel or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Basel or Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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.

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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 Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Basel or Venice a more walkable city?

Basel and Venice both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Basel?

How long in Basel or Venice?

Both Basel and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Basel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.

One day in Basel or Venice?

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.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic 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 Venice?

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 Venice. 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 Venice?

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.

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magical destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Basel and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Basel is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Venice. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Basel or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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 Venice this time of year.

In October, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Venice during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice 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. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. Basel is around the same temperature as Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Venice. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Venice in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Basel is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Venice and Basel