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

Should you visit Bonn or Reims?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Reims? 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. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn and Reims: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bonn or Reims?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bonn than Reims. Bonn is bigger than Reims, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bonn is better known for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Reims is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Bonn is well 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.

How is Bonn different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn
Reims

Bonn is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


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

Bonn
Reims

Reims 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, Reims is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Bonn
Reims

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

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 Reims. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Bonn or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Bonn
Reims

Bonn is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bonn to see the historical old town. 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Reims?

Bonn
Reims

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Reims both offer plenty of very good 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.

Reims is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Bonn or Reims Better for Families?

Bonn
Reims

Bonn is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Bonn or Reims Better for Couples?

Bonn
Reims

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

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn
Reims

For backpackers, both Bonn and Reims 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.

Reims is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Bonn or Reims Better for Students?

Bonn
Reims

Bonn is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

Bonn is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Bonn
Reims

Bonn is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bonn offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.


Is Bonn or Reims a more walkable city?

Bonn
Reims

Bonn and Reims are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Reims?

In either Bonn or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Bonn because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Reims 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 Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bonn 1-3 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Bonn or Reims?

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beautiful destination of Reims. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The relaxing city of Reims offers nightlife 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims or Bonn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bonn is €154, while the average daily cost in Reims is €131. 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 Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bonn 85
    Reims 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bonn 170
    Reims 132
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Bonn or Reims? 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 Reims


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 Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bonn 23
    Reims 39

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 Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims 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
    Reims 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bonn 34
    Reims 19

Tours and Activities in Bonn

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bonn 23
    Reims 22


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bonn or Reims?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Reims. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Reims. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Reims. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bonn 19°C (66°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bonn is around the same temperature as Reims in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Reims during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Reims. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bonn 12°C (53°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Bonn during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Reims can be very cold. Bonn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bonn is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Reims averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Reims. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bonn 3°C (37°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Bonn or Reims in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Reims. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In April, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Reims during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives more rain than Reims. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bonn 10°C (50°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Bonn

Bonn Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)