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

Should you visit Bonn or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Hvar? 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 lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a party-oriented, historic, and beautiful island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bonn and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Bonn and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Hvar is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar is a great island 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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Hvar has a few good snorkeling spots. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bonn or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a great island for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Hvar is considered a top beach destination. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Bonn is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a popular place for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Hvar?

Bonn is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Bonn or Hvar Better for Families?

Bonn is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Bonn or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Hvar is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Bonn is notable for students. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bonn can get you to some 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.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Bonn or Hvar a more walkable city?

Bonn is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Bonn or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

One day in Bonn or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Hvar?

Bonn 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.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bonn. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Hvar?

The outdoorsy city of Bonn offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The party-oriented island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Hvar?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Bonn during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Hvar. Most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Hvar. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Hvar. The winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. Bonn is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bonn is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Hvar. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Bonn