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

Should you visit Belfast or Basel?

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

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

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Basel

Basel is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Basel?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Basel than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Basel, Basel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Basel is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also well known for The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Belfast different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Basel and Belfast. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Basel?

Basel is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Basel is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Basel offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Basel are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Basel?

Basel is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Basel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Basel Better for Couples?

Basel is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Basel is a nice destination for couples. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Basel?

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

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

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

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this under-rated destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. 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.

In Basel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Basel?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Belfast. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Basel?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Basel?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Basel, 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 Belfast or Basel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Basel in the Summer?

Both Basel and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Basel during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Basel. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Basel. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Basel. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Basel. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Basel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Basel. Many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. Belfast is a little warmer than Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Basel during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basel. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Basel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Basel. Many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Belfast