A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Bonn and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bonn. Although Bonn and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Bonn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bonn is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. It is also well known for The Bonn Minster.

How is Bonn different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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.

Is the Food Better in Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Bonn and Mont-Saint-Michel offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Bonn is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bonn is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Bonn is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Bonn is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Bonn has some very good public transit options. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Bonn and Mont-Saint-Michel are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable city. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

One day in Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bonn, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the lively city of Bonn, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bonn is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 3910 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. Bonn is much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bonn is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Bonn