A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bristol vs. Bonn for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Bristol or Bonn?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Bonn can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Bristol and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Bonn?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Bonn. Bristol is bigger than Bonn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Bonn is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Bristol different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Bonn and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Bonn can be an enjoyable experience.

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Bonn offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Bristol or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Bristol 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 Bristol has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is great for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Bonn?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Bonn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Bristol or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Bonn Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Bonn are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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 Bristol or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Bonn is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Bonn Better for Students?

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

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Is Bristol or Bonn 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. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Bonn can get you to most places 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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Bonn a more walkable city?

Bristol and Bonn are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bristol and Bonn. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bonn than Bristol. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Bristol 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 Bonn.

One day in Bristol or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bristol. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bonn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bristol or Bonn?

Bristol is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

In Bonn, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Bristol. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bonn is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Bonn?

The cultural city of Bristol offers nightlife and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Bonn?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol or Bonn?

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 Bristol or Bonn in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Bristol is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Bonn. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bristol or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Bristol during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Bonn. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Bonn. Most visitors come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. Bristol is much warmer than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives more rain than Bonn. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bristol or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Bonn. The spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bristol is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Bonn. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Bristol