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

Should you visit Bonn or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Auxerre? 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 outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Bonn and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Bonn or Auxerre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bonn than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bonn is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Auxerre is more popular for its small town charm. Bonn is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Also, Bonn is famous for The Bonn Minster. Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Bonn different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn
Auxerre

Bonn is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Bonn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


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

Bonn
Auxerre

Both Bonn and Auxerre offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Auxerre. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Bonn or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Bonn
Auxerre

Bonn is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Bonn or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Bonn
Auxerre

Bonn is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. 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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Auxerre?

Bonn
Auxerre

Bonn is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bonn. 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bonn or Auxerre Better for Families?

Bonn
Auxerre

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Bonn or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Bonn
Auxerre

With fun activities for couples, both Bonn and Auxerre make for a notable 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.

Auxerre makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.


Is Bonn or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn
Auxerre

Bonn is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Bonn or Auxerre Better for Students?

Bonn
Auxerre

Bonn is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Bonn is very popular with students. 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Bonn
Auxerre

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

The public transit in Bonn can get you to most places easily. 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.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.


Is Bonn or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Bonn
Auxerre

Bonn is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bonn or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bonn than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Auxerre. 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.

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

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


  • How many days in Bonn or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bonn 1-3 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Bonn or Auxerre?

In Bonn, 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Auxerre. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bonn or Auxerre?

In Bonn, 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 Bonn has to offer.

Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

Bonn 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.

You'll find museums and food around the undiscovered destination of Auxerre. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. 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.

The authentic town of Auxerre offers food 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Bonn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bonn is €154, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is €113. 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 Bonn and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bonn 85
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bonn 170
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Bonn or Auxerre? 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 Bonn


Hotels in Auxerre


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: Bonn Hotel Prices and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bonn 23
    Auxerre 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

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

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Bonn 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
    Bonn 49
    Auxerre 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bonn 34
    Auxerre 18

Tours and Activities in Bonn

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

  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $120
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $51
  • Bonn Crime-Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Musikerviertel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $222
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven): $321
  • Bonn and Bad Godesberg hop-on hop-off tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

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

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bonn 23
    Auxerre 6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bonn or Auxerre?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

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 Bonn or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Auxerre. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bonn 19°C (66°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Bonn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

Bonn is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Auxerre. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bonn 12°C (53°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Auxerre. Many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bonn is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Auxerre averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bonn 3°C (37°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Auxerre. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

In April, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Auxerre. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bonn 10°C (50°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Bonn

Bonn Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)