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

Should you visit Bonn or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Saint-Etienne? 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 outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Bonn and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bonn than Saint-Etienne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bonn is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Bonn is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known 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. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Bonn different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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

Bonn is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bonn has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Bonn or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Bonn and Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Bonn or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

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

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Saint-Etienne?

Bonn is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Bonn is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Bonn or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Bonn or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Bonn is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Bonn or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Bonn or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Bonn is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Bonn can get you to some 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Bonn or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Bonn is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

A weekend in Bonn or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Bonn. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The authentic city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Saint-Etienne?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Bonn during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Saint-Etienne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. Bonn is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Saint-Etienne. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Bonn