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

Should you visit Basel or Verona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Verona, 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 vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Verona

Verona is a romantic, cultural, and beautiful 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 Verona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Basel or Verona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Verona than Basel. Verona is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Verona is better known for its food, while Basel is more popular for its shopping. Verona is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Also, Verona is famous for Juliet's House and Balcony. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Basel
Verona

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Basel and Verona.

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 Verona. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.


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

Basel
Verona

Verona 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 Verona. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

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 Verona Better for Nightlife?

Basel
Verona

Evening events are notable in both Basel and Verona.

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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Basel or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Basel
Verona

Basel and Verona both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. 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.

Verona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.


Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Verona?

Basel
Verona

Basel is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Basel is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Basel or Verona Better for Families?

Basel
Verona

Basel is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Basel is very family-friendly. 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Basel or Verona Better for Couples?

Basel
Verona

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

Verona is a very popular place to visit for couples. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

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 Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel
Verona

Both Basel and Verona are notable 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.

Verona is a good city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Basel or Verona Better for Students?

Basel
Verona

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

Basel is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Verona is a good city to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

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

Basel
Verona

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

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

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.


Is Basel or Verona a more walkable city?

Basel
Verona

Basel is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Verona is a very walkable destination. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Basel?

How long in Basel or Verona?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Verona. In our opinion, Basel has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Basel than Verona. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel than Verona 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.


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

One day in Basel or Verona?

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

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 Verona. 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 Verona?

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.

Verona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Verona. 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the museum-filled 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the stunning destination of Verona. 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 in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Verona 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 Verona is $180. 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 Verona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Basel $143
    Verona $115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Basel $286
    Verona $230
Compare Hotels in Basel and Verona

Looking for a hotel in Basel or Verona? 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 Verona


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 Verona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Basel $45
    Verona $7.37

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Verona

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Verona:


  • Bus From Airport
    $6.43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Verona

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

  • Verona Airport (VRN) to Verona - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Verona Private Transfer - to/from any location: $57
  • Private Transfer from/to Valerio Catullo Airport to/from Verona : $58
  • Private Transfer Verona Center to Valerio Catullo Airport VRN: $64
  • 1-Way private Transfer to Valerio Catullo Airport: $70
  • Transfer Verona airport - Verona center: $84
  • Verona Airport (VRN) to Venice - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
  • Verona to Venice Airport VCE Departure Private Transfer: $96
  • Verona Airport (VRN) to Val Gardena/Alta Badia - Arrival Transfer: $104
  • Verona to Milan Private Transfer: $110
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Peschiera to Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport: $116
  • Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Riva del Garda (or vice versa): $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Basel or Verona?

Prices for flights to both Verona 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
    Verona $58

Typical Food Prices in Verona

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Verona:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $39
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $25
  • Cappucino
    $1.88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Verona

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

  • Guided Food Tour with Wine Tasting: $63
  • Tortellini Cooking Class and Lunch with Mamma Ivana: $64
  • Eat Drink and Love wine and food tour: $82
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castelnuovo del Garda with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Fumane with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Soave: $93
  • Verona Food Tour with Guide: $95
  • Food Tour with Amarone Wine Tasting: $95
  • Wine and Food Tour with Dinner and Tastings: $96
  • Small-group Street food tour in Soave: $97
  • Verona Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Valpolicella: Traditional cooking class with local products: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Basel $37
    Verona $13

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Verona

For Verona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Juliet's House Entry
    $4.29
  • Verona Card
    $11

Tours and Activities in Verona

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Verona Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $6.74
  • Solferino Ticket Valid for Visit to the Museum and the Rocca: $6.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Verona's History and Highlights: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • The city of Romeo and Juliet: A self-guided audio tour through Verona: $7.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $8.02
  • Tour Escape Verona - The happy ending of Juliet: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour and 1-Day Itinerary: $10
  • Verona and Lake Garda: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Non guided tour of the wine museum and amarone tasting: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Basel $33
    Verona $12

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 Verona

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

  • Wine tasting in Bardolino: $26
  • Valpolicella Wine Tour and Tasting in Medieval Court: $33
  • Amarone Wine Tour: $35
  • Montresor Winery Visit with Wine Tasting and Snacks: $37
  • Valdadige: Roeno Guided Tour and Wine tasting: $37
  • Verona area: Wine Tasting Experience in Valpolicella: $38
  • Food and Wine Tasting in Valpolicella: $38
  • Unique Wine tasting in Verona, with Amarone docg: $41
  • Lazise: Historical Center Wine Tasting Tour: $43
  • Lake Garda: Wine Tour & Tasting Experience in Bardolino area: $44
  • Wine Tasting near Juliet's Balcony in Verona: $45
  • Wine Tasting in Underground Cellar in Verona City Center : $46


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

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


Which is Bigger, Basel or Verona?

Verona has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Verona. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Verona for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Basel is cooler than Verona in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Verona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Verona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Verona. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 286 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Verona. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Verona receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Basel 21°C (70°F) 
    Verona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Basel or Verona in the Autumn?

Both Verona 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Verona because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is around the same temperature as Verona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Verona averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Verona during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Verona. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Basel 13°C (56°F) 
    Verona 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Basel or Verona in the Winter?

Both Verona 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Verona this time of year.

It's quite cold in Verona in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. In January, Basel is generally a little warmer than Verona. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Verona fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Verona. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 98 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Verona. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Verona receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Basel or Verona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Verona. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Verona for the natural beauty.

Basel is around the same temperature as Verona in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Verona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Verona during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Verona. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Basel 12°C (53°F) 
    Verona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Verona and Basel

Basel Verona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)