A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Edinburgh vs. Bonn for Attractions, Old Town, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Edinburgh or Bonn?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Bonn 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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a character-filled, vibrant, and gothic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Bonn?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bonn attracts visitors for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Edinburgh different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Edinburgh or Bonn?

Edinburgh is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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

Is Edinburgh or Bonn Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a great city for theatre. However, Bonn is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Bonn is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bonn is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Edinburgh has something for everybody. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Edinburgh or Bonn Better for Music?

Edinburgh is very popular for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Edinburgh has a world-famous historical area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Bonn?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Edinburgh and Bonn.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bonn. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Edinburgh is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Is Edinburgh or Bonn Better for Couples?

Edinburgh is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Edinburgh is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Edinburgh or Bonn Better for Students?

Both Edinburgh and Bonn are excellent destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Many students visit Bonn. 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.

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

Bonn is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bonn can get you to some places easily. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Bonn a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Edinburgh is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Bonn Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Bonn?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Bonn 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 Edinburgh.

One day in Edinburgh or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Edinburgh. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Edinburgh or Bonn?

Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bonn. 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 Edinburgh or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Edinburgh. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Bonn. 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 Edinburgh or Bonn?

The vibrant city of Edinburgh offers museums and theater. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Bonn 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 Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Bonn?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Bonn?

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 Edinburgh or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Bonn. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Bonn. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Bonn. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months.

Edinburgh is cooler than Bonn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Edinburgh is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bonn averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Bonn. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Edinburgh during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Bonn. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Edinburgh