A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Bonn or Austin?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Austin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bonn travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Austin travel costs.

Bonn and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Bonn, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is known for its historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Bonn different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bonn or Austin?

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Bonn or Austin.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Is the Food Better in Bonn or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bonn to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Austin?

Bonn is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bonn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Bonn or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is adequate for its scenery and beauty. However, Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for Families?

Bonn is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bonn and Austin make for a good place to visit.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for Students?

For students, both Bonn and Austin are very good places to visit.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Austin is very popular with students. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Is Bonn or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bonn is a great destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bonn is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Bonn or Austin a more walkable city?

Bonn is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bonn and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Bonn. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Bonn 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 Austin.

One day in Bonn or Austin?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bonn or Austin?

Bonn 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.

Austin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bonn or Austin?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the eccentric destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. 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.

The lively city of Austin offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Germany, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and Austin, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bonn is in Europe and Austin is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn than you might in Austin.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Austin, 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 Bonn or Austin?

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 Bonn or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Austin. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bonn is much colder than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Austin. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bonn is much colder than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bonn in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Austin. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Bonn during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. In January, Bonn is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 3°C (37°F), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Austin. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Austin. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Austin. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Bonn is much colder than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Austin during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Austin. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Bonn