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

Should you visit Faro or Bonn?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Bonn, 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 popular, busy, and active resort town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bonn

Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Faro or Bonn?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Bonn are both popular with visitors, Faro has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bonn is known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Faro is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also home to The Arco da Vila. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Faro different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Faro
Bonn

Bonn 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 Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Bonn

Bonn 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 Bonn. 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.

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 Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Bonn

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

The nightlife in Faro has something for everybody. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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 Faro or Bonn Better for Resorts?

Faro
Bonn

Faro is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Bonn is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Bonn Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Bonn

Faro is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Faro
Bonn

Faro is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Faro is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Bonn

Bonn 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 Bonn to see the historical old town. 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.

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 Bonn?

Faro
Bonn

Bonn 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 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.

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 Bonn Better for Families?

Faro
Bonn

Bonn is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

Faro
Bonn

Faro and Bonn are both good 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.

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 Faro or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Bonn

For backpackers, both Faro and Bonn are good 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.

Bonn is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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 Faro or Bonn Better for Students?

Faro
Bonn

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

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

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro
Bonn

Bonn 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 Bonn is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

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 Bonn a more walkable city?

Faro
Bonn

Bonn is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Faro?

How long in Faro or Bonn?

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

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


  • How many days in Faro or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Faro or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Faro. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bonn. 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 Bonn?

Faro is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 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 Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the busy destination of Faro. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bonn. 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 Bonn?

The active resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The beautiful city of Bonn 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Bonn is €154. 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 Faro and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Bonn 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Bonn 170
Compare Hotels in Faro and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Faro 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Bonn 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374

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 Faro or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Bonn 49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Bonn 34

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

Tours and Activities in Bonn

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

  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $120
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $51
  • Bonn Crime-Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Musikerviertel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $222
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven): $321
  • Bonn and Bad Godesberg hop-on hop-off tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Bonn 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Faro is a little warmer than Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Bonn. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Faro or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Faro is much warmer than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Faro or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Bonn. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Bonn. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Faro or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Bonn. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

Faro is much warmer than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Bonn. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Faro

Faro Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)