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

Should you visit Bonn or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Bonn or La Rochelle? 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. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bonn and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or La Rochelle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Bonn attracts visitors for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also well known for The Old Port.

How is Bonn different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Bonn or La Rochelle.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Bonn and La Rochelle.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Bonn or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

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

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or La Rochelle?

Bonn is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Bonn is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Bonn or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Bonn or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and La Rochelle are nice 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Bonn or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Bonn is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

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

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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Bonn or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Bonn and La Rochelle are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

La Rochelle is a very walkable city. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Bonn or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Bonn or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Bonn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 La Rochelle?

The lively city of Bonn offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Bonn or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

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 from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or La Rochelle?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In the summer, Bonn is around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Bonn during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than La Rochelle. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bonn. Bonn is much colder than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bonn as well as La Rochelle. Additionally, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as La Rochelle. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Bonn