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

Should you visit Dundee or Basel?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Basel? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a cultural, historic, and coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Basel

Basel is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Basel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Dundee or Basel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dundee. Although Dundee and Basel are popular destinations, Dundee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dundee is very popular for its big city activities, while Basel attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Basel is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its many museums and its nice old town. Dundee is famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also well known for Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee
Basel

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

Basel offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


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

Dundee
Basel

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Basel can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Basel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Dundee or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Basel

Both Dundee and Basel are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

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 Dundee or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Basel

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Basel?

Dundee
Basel

Basel is a well-known place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Basel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Basel Better for Families?

Dundee
Basel

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

Basel is 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.

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Dundee or Basel Better for Couples?

Dundee
Basel

Basel is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Basel

Basel is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Basel Better for Students?

Dundee
Basel

Basel is a well-known place for students. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Basel is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

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

Dundee
Basel

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Basel can move around easily with public transportation. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.


Is Dundee or Basel a more walkable city?

Dundee
Basel

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Basel?

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

Families should spend more time in Basel than Dundee. 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 Dundee. 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 Dundee 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.


  • How many days in Dundee or Basel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Basel 1-3

One day in Dundee or Basel?

In Dundee, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural 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.

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

A weekend in Dundee or Basel?

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

Basel 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 Dundee or Basel?

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

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

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the easily accessible destination of Basel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Basel or Dundee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Basel is £190. 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 Dundee and Basel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Basel £115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Basel £230
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Basel

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Basel? 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 Dundee


Hotels in Basel


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Basel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Basel £37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • Round Trip Private Transfer From Basel EuroAirport to Feldberg: $87
  • ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
  • Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
  • Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
  • Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
  • Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
  • Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
  • Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Basel?

Prices for flights to both Basel and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Basel £49
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

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


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Basel £30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

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

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83

Tours and Activities in Basel

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
  • Basel's Portrait Self Guided Audio City Tour: $5.60
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
  • The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Uncover Basel's Charms: In-App Audio Tour of Cultural Gems: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Basel £26

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
  • Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
  • Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
  • Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Basel in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Dundee is cooler than Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dundee in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Basel during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives less rain than Basel. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Basel 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Dundee during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dundee in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Dundee is generally cooler than Basel. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 10°C (49°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Basel. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Basel 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Basel in the Winter?

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

The weather in Basel can be very cold. Dundee can be very cold during winter. Dundee is around the same temperature as Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives less rain than Basel. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Basel 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Basel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Basel. The spring months attract visitors to Dundee because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In the spring, Dundee is much colder than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dundee in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Basel 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Basel and Dundee

Dundee Basel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)