A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Strasbourg for Old Town, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Bonn or Strasbourg?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Strasbourg? 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 is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Strasbourg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Strasbourg. Although Bonn and Strasbourg are both popular with visitors, Strasbourg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Strasbourg is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is known for its quaint atmosphere. Strasbourg is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also home to The Strasbourg Cathedral. 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 Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Bonn or Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Strasbourg is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Bonn or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Strasbourg?

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

Strasbourg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Bonn or Strasbourg Better for Families?

Bonn is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Bonn or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

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

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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 Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Strasbourg are good 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.

Strasbourg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Bonn or Strasbourg Better for Students?

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

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.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Bonn and Strasbourg both offer great 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 Strasbourg can get you around easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Bonn or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Bonn and Strasbourg are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bonn and Strasbourg. In our opinion, Strasbourg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Strasbourg than Bonn. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

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

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

One day in Bonn or Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Bonn, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bonn, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bonn, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Strasbourg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Strasbourg?

Bonn, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Strasbourg. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Strasbourg?

Bonn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The impressive city of Strasbourg offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Music Tours in Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Bonn and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Strasbourg?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences.

Bonn is around the same temperature as Strasbourg in the summer. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Strasbourg during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Bonn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bonn is around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bonn in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in October than Strasbourg. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Strasbourg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Strasbourg. Many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Strasbourg can be very cold during winter. Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bonn is generally a little warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 3°C (37°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bonn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Strasbourg. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the natural beauty.

Bonn is around the same temperature as Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Strasbourg. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Strasbourg. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Bonn