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

Should you visit Bonn or Portland?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Portland? 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. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bonn travel costs.

Portland

Portland is a quirky, eclectic, and tree-lined city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Portland travel costs.

Bonn and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Portland?

Both Portland and Bonn have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Bonn is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Portland is known for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Bonn is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Bonn or Portland Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Bonn and Portland.

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 Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Bonn or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a popular place for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Portland is active and vibrant. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Bonn or Portland Better for its Old Town?

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

Bonn is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great city for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Portland?

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

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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Bonn or Portland More Beautiful?

Portland is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bonn or Portland Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Bonn or Portland Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bonn and Portland make for a good 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Bonn or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

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

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

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

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.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Bonn or Portland a more walkable city?

Bonn and Portland are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Portland?

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

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Portland. 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 Portland. 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.

One day in Bonn or Portland?

The city of Bonn offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portland. 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 Portland?

Bonn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bonn, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Portland?

Bonn is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find live music and shopping around the tree-lined destination of Portland. This city 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 Portland?

Bonn is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The tree-lined city of Portland offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Music Tours in Germany, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Portland, we can see that Portland 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. Even though Bonn is in Europe and Portland is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Portland. Many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bonn is around the same temperature as Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Portland. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bonn is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bonn in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Portland. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. The weather in Bonn can be very cold. In January, Bonn is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 3°C (37°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Portland. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Bonn is around the same temperature as Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Portland. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Bonn