A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Bremen vs. Bonn for Old Town, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bremen or Bonn?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bremen and Bonn can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bremen

Bremen is a lively, historic, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bremen and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Bremen or Bonn?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bremen than Bonn. Bremen is bigger than Bonn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bremen is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its quaint atmosphere. Bremen is well known for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. Also, Bremen is famous for The Historic Marktplatz. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

The Historic Marktplatz
The Historic Marktplatz

How is Bremen different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bonn and Bremen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bremen or Bonn?

Bremen
Bonn

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bremen or Bonn.

Many visitors head to Bremen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 the Food Better in Bremen or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bremen
Bonn

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bremen and Bonn can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bremen area. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

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.

Is Bremen or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Bremen
Bonn

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

The nightlife in Bremen has something for everybody. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

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 Bremen or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bremen
Bonn

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

Bremen has a world-famous historical area. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

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 Bremen or Bonn?

Bremen
Bonn

Both Bremen and Bonn are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

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.

Is Bremen or Bonn Better for Families?

Bremen
Bonn

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Bremen is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

Is Bremen or Bonn Better for Couples?

Bremen
Bonn

Both Bremen and Bonn are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Bremen is a good city for couples to visit. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. 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 Bremen or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bremen
Bonn

Both Bremen and Bonn are notable destinations for backpackers.

Bremen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Bremen or Bonn Better for Students?

Bremen
Bonn

Bonn is notable for students. However, Bremen is not popular with 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Bremen
Bonn

Both Bremen and Bonn offer great public transit options.

Bremen offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bonn. 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 Bremen or Bonn a more walkable city?

Bremen
Bonn

Bremen is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Bremen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Bremen?

How long in Bremen or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bremen and Bonn. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bremen than in Bonn. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Bremen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bonn.

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

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


  • How many days in Bremen or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bremen 2-4 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Bremen or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bremen. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bremen or Bonn?

Bremen 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.

Bonn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Bremen or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Bremen. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bremen or Bonn?

The beautiful city of Bremen 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bonn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Music Tours in Germany, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Bremen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bremen is €147, while the average daily cost in Bonn is €154. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bremen and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bremen 76
    Bonn 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bremen 152
    Bonn 170
Compare Hotels in Bremen and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Bremen or Bonn? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bremen


Hotels in Bonn


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bremen Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bremen 45
    Bonn 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $232
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Bremen or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Bremen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bremen 36
    Bonn 49
Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bremen 34
    Bonn 34

Tours and Activities in Bremen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bremen are as follows:

  • Bremen : Private Walking Tour With A Tour Guide ( Private Tour ) : $51
  • Bremen Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $195
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • Bremen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Bremen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $220
  • Bremen Schwachhausen: Crime Mystery Tour: $35
  • Bremen Tour: Full-Day Canoe Rental on the Wümme River: $48
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Bremen's Underground Guided Tour: $17
  • City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.40
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.19
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.26
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.37
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.98
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20
  • 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bremen 34
    Bonn 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22


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


Which is Bigger, Bremen or Bonn?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bremen and Bonn, 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 Bremen or Bonn?

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 Bremen or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bremen as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Bremen for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bremen is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bremen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Bremen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Bremen gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Bremen usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Bremen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bremen 17°C (63°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Bremen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bremen because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

In October, Bremen is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Bremen average around 10°C (50°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bremen usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Bremen gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bremen usually receives more rain than Bonn. Bremen gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bremen 10°C (50°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Bremen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bremen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bonn. It's quite cold in Bremen in the winter. Bremen is much colder than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Bremen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bremen often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Bremen gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Bremen usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Bremen gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bremen 1°C (33°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bremen and Bonn. Many travelers come to Bremen for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bremen is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bremen in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Bremen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Bremen gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bremen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Bremen gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bremen 8°C (46°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Bremen

Bremen Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)