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

Should you visit Bonn or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Ottawa? 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 cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Bonn travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Bonn and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Bonn or Ottawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bonn than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Bonn, Bonn has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bonn is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Also, Bonn is famous for The Bonn Minster. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Bonn different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn
Ottawa

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

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 Ottawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.


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

Bonn
Ottawa

Both Bonn and Ottawa offer notable 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 Ottawa. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Bonn or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Bonn
Ottawa

Bonn is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Bonn or Ottawa Better for its Old Town?

Bonn
Ottawa

Bonn is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ottawa does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Ottawa?

Bonn
Ottawa

Bonn is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Bonn or Ottawa Better for Families?

Bonn
Ottawa

Bonn is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Bonn or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Bonn
Ottawa

With fun activities for couples, both Bonn and Ottawa make for a notable place to visit.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Ottawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.


Is Bonn or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn
Ottawa

For backpackers, both Bonn and Ottawa are notable 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.

Ottawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Bonn or Ottawa Better for Students?

Bonn
Ottawa

Bonn is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

Bonn
Ottawa

Bonn is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Bonn can get you to most 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.

You'll find some public transit in Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is both a public bus and light rail system.


Is Bonn or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Bonn
Ottawa

Bonn is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bonn and Ottawa. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bonn than Ottawa. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Ottawa 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.


  • How many days in Bonn or Ottawa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bonn 1-3 
    Ottawa 2-3

One day in Bonn or Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?

Bonn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Ottawa is a fun place to experience. 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 Ottawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the welcoming destination of Ottawa. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bonn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

The welcoming city of Ottawa offers museums and food. 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 Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Music Tours in Germany, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Bonn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bonn is €154, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is €124. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bonn and Ottawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bonn 85
    Ottawa 17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bonn 170
    Ottawa 34
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Ottawa

Looking for a hotel in Bonn or Ottawa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bonn


Hotels in Ottawa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bonn Hotel Prices and Ottawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bonn 23
    Ottawa 6.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa

Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $217
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Ottawa?

Prices for flights to both Ottawa and Bonn change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bonn 49
    Ottawa 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
  • Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $81
  • Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $81
  • A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bonn 34
    Ottawa 37

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • Beethoven’s Birthplace Self Guided Tour through Bonn’s Old Town: $6.99
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $120
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $118
  • Bonn Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $197
  • Bonn Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.73
  • Bonn Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $222
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.99
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $7.38
  • Bonn Self Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.64
  • Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven): $322

Tours and Activities in Ottawa

For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $58
  • A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa: $322
  • A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $117
  • Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $73
  • Downtown Private Investigator Quest Experience: $8.23
  • Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa: $419
  • Family Walking Tour in Ottawa with Special Highlights: $165
  • Family Walking Tour in Special Highlights: $322
  • From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $287
  • Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 35KM in 10 min: $215
  • Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bonn 23
    Ottawa 17


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and Ottawa, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bonn is in Europe and Ottawa is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.

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


Which is Bigger, Bonn or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Ottawa. The summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

In July, Bonn is generally cooler than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bonn 19°C (66°F) 
    Ottawa 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Ottawa. The shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the shopping scene.

Bonn is a little warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ottawa. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bonn 12°C (53°F) 
    Ottawa 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ottawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bonn. In the winter, Bonn is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bonn 3°C (37°F) 
    Ottawa -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Bonn is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bonn 10°C (50°F) 
    Ottawa 6°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Bonn

Bonn Ottawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -10°C (14°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) -9°C (16°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) -7°C (20°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)