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

Should you visit Bucharest or Basel?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Basel. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Basel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bucharest than Basel. Bucharest is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bucharest is better known for its big city activities, while Basel is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Basel is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its many museums and its nice old town. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. Also, Bucharest is famous for The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Basel?

Basel is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Bucharest and Basel.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bucharest. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Bucharest or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bucharest and Basel.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

If you're looking for night time activities Basel has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Bucharest or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Basel?

Basel is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Basel Better for Couples?

Basel is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Basel are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Bucharest or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Many students visit Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Bucharest or Basel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Basel.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Basel offers a very effecient public transportation network. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Bucharest or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Basel?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel than Bucharest 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 Basel.

One day in Bucharest or Basel?

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this less touristy destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Basel?

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bucharest. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Basel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Bucharest or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the less touristy destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Basel?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Basel, 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 Bucharest or Basel?

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 Bucharest or Basel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Basel. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Basel during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Basel. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Basel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Basel. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Basel. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Basel during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Basel. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Basel in the Spring?

Both Basel and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Basel. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Bucharest