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

Should you visit Bonn or San Francisco?

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

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

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come to San Francisco because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and live music. See San Francisco travel costs.

Bonn and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or San Francisco?

You'll generally find more things to do in San Francisco than Bonn. San Francisco is bigger than Bonn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. San Francisco is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. San Francisco is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bonn different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit San Francisco from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Many visitors head to Bonn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Is Bonn or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a popular place for theatre. However, Bonn is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Bonn is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

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

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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Bonn or San Francisco Better for Music?

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

The music scene in San Francisco is active and vibrant. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Bonn or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

San Francisco is considered a top beach destination. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is very popular for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

People visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or San Francisco?

San Francisco is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Francisco. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Bonn or San Francisco More Beautiful?

San Francisco is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to San Francisco because of it's amazing beauty. With its dramatic Golden Gate Bridge, and the many beautiful hills with striking views of the city and bay, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bonn or San Francisco Better for Families?

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

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 Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Bonn or San Francisco Better for Couples?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

San Francisco is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

San Francisco is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

For students, both Bonn and San Francisco are very good places to visit.

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.

San Francisco is very popular with students. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

San Francisco is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

San Francisco has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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.

Is Bonn or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Bonn and San Francisco are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

San Francisco is a very walkable city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or San Francisco?

Both Bonn and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Bonn. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

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

One day in Bonn or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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.

San Francisco is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Francisco?

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.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. 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 Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful 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.

San Francisco is a quirky big city where you can fill many days. 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 Francisco?

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.

San Francisco is a quirky coastal city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?

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 Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Bonn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bonn is cooler than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Bonn usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and San Francisco. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bonn is much colder than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bonn as well as San Francisco. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In April, Bonn is generally cooler than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Bonn usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Bonn