A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. Basel for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Copenhagen or Basel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Basel 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a happy, welcoming, and relaxed city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel

Basel is a vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Basel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Copenhagen than Basel. Copenhagen is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Copenhagen different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Basel.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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.

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

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Copenhagen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Copenhagen just to party. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. 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 Copenhagen or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Both Copenhagen and Basel have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Basel?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Copenhagen make it a world-class shopping destination. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Basel Better for Families?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Basel Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Copenhagen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Copenhagen or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Copenhagen is a great city to visit for backpackers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Copenhagen or Basel Better for Students?

Both Copenhagen and Basel are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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.

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

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Copenhagen can get you around easily. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Copenhagen or Basel a more walkable city?

Copenhagen and Basel are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Basel. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

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

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or Basel?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Basel, 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 Basel, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Basel, 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.

Five days in Copenhagen or Basel?

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Basel, 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.

A week in Copenhagen or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between Copenhagen and Basel, we can see that Basel 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Basel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Basel?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Basel?

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 Copenhagen or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Basel. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences.

Copenhagen is cooler than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is cooler than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Basel. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Basel in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Basel. It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Basel. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Basel. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty.

Copenhagen is much colder than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Basel. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Copenhagen