A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. Basel for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Dover or Basel?

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 Dover and Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Basel

Basel is a historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Basel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel. Although Dover and Basel are both popular with visitors, Basel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Basel is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Dover different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Basel specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Foodies will find both Dover and Basel both to be good destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dover area. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Basel. 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 Dover or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Basel is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Basel Better for Hiking?

Dover is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Basel?

Basel is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Dover or Basel Better for Couples?

Dover is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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

Is Dover or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Basel are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Dover or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Basel is very popular with students. 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Dover?

How long in Dover or Basel?

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

Families should spend more time in Basel than Dover. 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 Dover. 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 Dover 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 Dover or Basel?

In Dover, many people enjoy the food and museums that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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.

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. 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.

Five days in Dover or Basel?

Dover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Dover or Basel?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Basel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dover and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Dover much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dover would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dover 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 Dover.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Basel in the Summer?

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

In July, Dover is generally cooler than Basel. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dover. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Basel during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Basel. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Dover is around the same temperature as Basel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Basel in the Winter?

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

Basel can be very cold during winter. Dover can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Basel averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Basel. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Basel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Basel. Most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Basel. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets more sunshine than Basel. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Dover