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

Should you visit Granada or Basel?

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

Should I visit Granada or Basel? 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.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Basel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Granada than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Granada is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Basel attracts visitors for its shopping. Granada is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Granada different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Granada are among the most recognizable in the world. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Basel. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Granada and Basel both to be nice destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Granada or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Granada 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.

Granada has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Granada is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is Granada or Basel Better for Hiking?

Granada is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Basel?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Basel Better for Couples?

Granada is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Granada is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Granada or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Granada is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Basel is a good city 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 Granada or Basel Better for Students?

Both Granada and Basel are very good destinations for students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Basel is very popular with students. 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.

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

Basel is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Basel. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Granada?

How long in Granada or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Basel. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Basel 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Basel?

In Granada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This city 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.

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Granada or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

In Basel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Basel?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Granada. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Basel is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Granada. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Basel?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Basel. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Basel. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Basel during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Basel. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Basel. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Basel. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Basel. The spring months attract visitors to Granada because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Basel. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Granada