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

Should you visit Bonn or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bonn and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Bonn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bonn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Bonn different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Bonn is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Cinque Terre has a world-famous historical area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Cinque Terre?

Bonn is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Bonn is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is very popular for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Bonn is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Bonn or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Cinque Terre?

In either Bonn or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Bonn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Bonn or Cinque Terre?

In Bonn, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cinque Terre?

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bonn or Cinque Terre?

Bonn is a popular place to visit. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Cinque Terre 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Cinque Terre?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bonn is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bonn is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bonn is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In April, Bonn is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Bonn