A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. San Diego for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bonn or San Diego?

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

Should I visit Bonn or San Diego? 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.

San Diego

San Diego is a outdoorsy, idyllic, and fun-filled coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Bonn and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or San Diego?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Diego than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Diego is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. San Diego is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo. 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 San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Bonn or San Diego.

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 San Diego specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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

Both Bonn and San Diego offer nice 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 San Diego. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

San Diego is a great coastal city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in San Diego has something for everybody. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a great coastal city for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

San Diego has a thriving music scene. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

San Diego has a few good snorkeling spots. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is very popular for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in San Diego. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is great for its old town. However, San Diego 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.

San Diego does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a great coastal city for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or San Diego?

Bonn is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bonn or San Diego.

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.

San Diego is one of the most popular family destinations. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for Couples?

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

San Diego makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and San Diego 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.

San Diego is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

Is Bonn or San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent San Diego. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Bonn is very popular with students. 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.

Is Bonn or San Diego 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. However, San Diego is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Bonn can get you around 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.

Public transit is generally limited in San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Bonn or San Diego a more walkable city?

Bonn is great for its high level of walkability. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its ease of walking around.

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

San Diego is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or San Diego?

In either Bonn or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

Families should spend more time in San Diego than Bonn. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Diego, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Bonn or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Diego. 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 San Diego?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

San Diego is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Bonn. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 live music and food when visiting the idyllic destination of San Diego. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 San Diego?

Bonn is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The hip coastal city of San Diego offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Bonn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bonn is in Europe and San Diego 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 Bonn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bonn 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Bonn.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego 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 San Diego because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than San Diego. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In October, Bonn is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or San Diego in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. Bonn is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Diego. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bonn as well as San Diego. Additionally, many visitors come to San Diego in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bonn is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Bonn