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

Should you visit Bonn or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Sorrento? 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. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bonn and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Sorrento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Bonn and Sorrento are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is known for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Sorrento is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also home to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. 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 Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bonn is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento 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, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sorrento. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Bonn or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a great small city for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

Is Bonn or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bonn or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Bonn or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Bonn or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Sorrento?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Sorrento both offer plenty of excellent 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.

Sorrento is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Bonn or Sorrento Better for Families?

Bonn is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sorrento is very family-friendly. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Bonn or Sorrento Better for Couples?

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

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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 Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Sorrento. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Bonn is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Bonn and Sorrento both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

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.

The public transit in Sorrento can get you around easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Bonn or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Bonn and Sorrento are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Sorrento?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento 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 Sorrento.

One day in Bonn or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Sorrento. This small 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 Sorrento?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the laid back small city of Sorrento. 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Sorrento, we can see that Bonn 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Sorrento?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Sorrento. Many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bonn is cooler than Sorrento in the summer. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In the summer, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bonn is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bonn in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Sorrento averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Bonn during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. In January, Bonn is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 3°C (37°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Sorrento. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Bonn is cooler than Sorrento in the spring. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Bonn