A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Basel for Nightlife, Old Town, Families, and Food

Should you visit Faro or Basel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Basel, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Basel

Basel is a cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Basel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Basel are popular destinations, Faro has more sights and attractions for tourists. Faro is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Basel attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also well known for The Arco da Vila. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Faro different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Basel is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Faro is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Faro has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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 Faro or Basel Better for Resorts?

Faro is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Basel is not a resort destination.

Faro offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Basel is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Basel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Basel Better for Beaches?

Faro is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. 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.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Basel?

Basel is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Faro or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Basel is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Basel Better for Couples?

Faro and Basel are both nice to visit as a couple.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Faro or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Basel are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Basel is a good resort town 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 Faro or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Basel is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Basel is fairly effecient and thorough. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Faro or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Faro?

How long in Faro or Basel?

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

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

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 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.

Five days in Faro or Basel?

Faro is a fun place to experience. In Faro, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Basel. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Faro or Basel?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the popular destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The vibrant city of Basel offers nightlife and food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Basel in the Summer?

Both Basel and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Basel. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Basel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Basel. The shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Faro is generally much warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Basel during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basel. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Basel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Basel. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Faro is much warmer than Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Basel. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Basel. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Basel in the Spring?

Both Basel and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Basel. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Faro