A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bonn or Nice?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Nice? 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.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Bonn and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice. Although Bonn and Nice are roughly the same size, Nice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nice is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bonn attracts visitors for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais. 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 Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

Is Bonn or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bonn or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great seaside destination for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Nice Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Bonn and Nice.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Nice?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Nice both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Bonn or Nice Better for Families?

Bonn is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Bonn or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the 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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Nice 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.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Bonn or Nice Better for Students?

Bonn is a well-known place for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Bonn and Nice both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

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.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

Is Bonn or Nice a more walkable city?

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

Nice is a very easy seaside destination to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Nice?

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

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

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

One day in Bonn or Nice?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

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.

Nice is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Nice?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the trendy destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Nice?

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 opulent seaside destination of Nice 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.

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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Nice in the Autumn?

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

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Nice. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Nice in the Winter?

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

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. Bonn is much colder than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Should I visit Bonn or Nice in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Nice. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Bonn