A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gothenburg vs. Bonn for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gothenburg or Bonn?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg 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.

Where Should I go: Gothenburg or Bonn?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

Bonn

Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (previously, West Germany) and it has a population of about 315,000 people. It sits on the Rhine River just twenty kilometers away from Cologne. Many people travel to Bonn for conferences and business, but Bonn also has a lot of cultural and historical sights to offer visitors. The city is also famous as the birth place of Ludwig van Beethoven. There's a strong student culture in the city as well, and it actually shares many characteristics with Italian cities because of its many cafes and restaurants which line the streets. Outdoor beer gardens are popular and Bonn is a particular good summer destination when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the outdoor setting. The city's location also makes it a great base for day trips to Cologne, Dusseldorf, and the Rhine and Eifel regions.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Gothenburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Bonn is $165. 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 Gothenburg and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Bonn $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Bonn $182
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Bonn $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $153
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $120
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102

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 Gothenburg or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $38
    Bonn $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Bonn $37

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Days Private Tour in Gothenburg: $300
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour: $263
  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
  • Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $918
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
  • Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $113
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283

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
    Gothenburg $20
    Bonn $24


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

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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Bonn?

Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Bonn. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Bonn. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Bonn. Additionally, many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene.

In October, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Gothenburg. Gothenburg is much colder than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in April than Bonn. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)