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

Should you visit Bonn or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Kotor? 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.

Kotor

Kotor is a charming, historic, and peaceful coastal town. 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 Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Bonn and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bonn is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Bonn different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Bonn is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Bonn or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

Is Bonn or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bonn or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

Kotor has a world-famous historical area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Kotor Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Kotor?

Bonn is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bonn or Kotor Better for Families?

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

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Bonn or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Kotor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Bonn is well known for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Bonn or Kotor a more walkable city?

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

Kotor is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Kotor?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bonn or Kotor?

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bonn or Kotor?

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Kotor 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Kotor?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Kotor. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bonn is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bonn is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bonn in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Bonn during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bonn is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 3°C (37°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Kotor. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Bonn is cooler than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Bonn