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

Should you visit Dundee or Bonn?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Bonn? 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 coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
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


Is there more to do in Dundee or Bonn?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dundee than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Dundee, Dundee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dundee is more popular for its big city activities, while Bonn is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also home to Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bonn 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 Bonn?

Dundee
Bonn

Bonn 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.

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

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 Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dundee
Bonn

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Bonn can be difficult as they are each good 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.

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

Dundee
Bonn

Both Dundee and Bonn are good 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 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 Dundee or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Bonn

Bonn 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 Bonn. 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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Bonn?

Dundee
Bonn

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

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.

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 Bonn Better for Families?

Dundee
Bonn

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

Dundee
Bonn

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

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.

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 Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Bonn

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. 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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Bonn Better for Students?

Dundee
Bonn

Bonn 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.

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

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 Bonn Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dundee
Bonn

Bonn 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 Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

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


Is Dundee or Bonn a more walkable city?

Dundee
Bonn

Bonn is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore 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 Bonn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Bonn?

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

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


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

One day in Dundee or Bonn?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bonn. 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 Bonn?

Dundee 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.

Bonn 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 Bonn?

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

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

The coastal city of Dundee offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Bonn. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Bonn 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 Bonn is £132. 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 Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Bonn £73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Bonn £146
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Bonn? 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 Bonn


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 Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Bonn £19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn 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
    Bonn £42
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
    Bonn £29
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:

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

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Bonn £20


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

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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee or Bonn?

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 Dundee or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Bonn. The summer months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

Dundee is cooler than Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dundee is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dundee usually receives more rain than Bonn. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Dundee during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dundee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dundee. In January, Dundee is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 3°C (38°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Dundee often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Dundee or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Bonn. Many visitors come to Dundee in the spring for the activities around the city.

Dundee is cooler than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Bonn. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Dundee

Dundee Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)