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

Should you visit Bonn or Bressanone?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Bressanone? 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. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a idyllic, charming, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Bonn and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bonn or Bressanone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bressanone than Bonn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bressanone is better known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Bressanone is well known for its charming old town and its idyllic setting. Also, Bressanone is famous for The Bressanone/Brixen Cathedral.

How is Bonn different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn
Bressanone

Bonn is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bonn. 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.

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


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

Bonn
Bressanone

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

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 Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Bonn
Bressanone

Bonn is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Bonn has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Bonn or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Bonn
Bressanone

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Bonn and Bressanone.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.


Is Bonn or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Bonn
Bressanone

Bressanone is a great town for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Bressanone for the hiking trails. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Bressanone?

Bonn
Bressanone

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Is Bonn or Bressanone Better for Families?

Bonn
Bressanone

Bonn is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Bonn or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Bonn
Bressanone

Bressanone is a great town for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Bressanone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Bonn or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn
Bressanone

For backpackers, both Bonn and Bressanone are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. 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.

Bressanone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

Is Bonn or Bressanone Better for Students?

Bonn
Bressanone

Bonn is a great destination for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bonn. 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.

Bressanone is not popular with students.


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

Bonn
Bressanone

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bonn. 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.

While Bressanone offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Bonn or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Bonn
Bressanone

Bonn and Bressanone are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Bressanone is a very walkable city. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bonn or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bonn than Bressanone 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 Bressanone.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Bressanone 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 Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bonn 1-3 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Bonn or Bressanone?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Bonn, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bonn, one day is sufficent for most.

Bressanone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Bonn or Bressanone?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bonn, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bressanone is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bressanone?

Bonn, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Bressanone?

Bonn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Bressanone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone 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 Bressanone is €138. 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 Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bonn 85
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bonn 170
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Bonn or Bressanone? 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 Bressanone


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 Bressanone Hotel Prices.

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

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 Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone 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
    Bressanone 47

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bonn 34
    Bressanone 20

Tours and Activities in Bonn

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bonn 23
    Bressanone 26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Bressanone, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Bressanone Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bonn or Bressanone?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Bressanone, 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.