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

Should you visit Granada or Bonn?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

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

Granada and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Bonn?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Granada than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Granada, Granada has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Granada is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is known for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. Granada is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Granada different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada 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 Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Granada and Bonn both to be good 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 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.

Is Granada or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Granada 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 Granada has something for everybody. 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.

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 Granada or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

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

Granada has a world-famous historical area. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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 Granada or Bonn Better for Hiking?

Granada is a great city for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. 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.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Bonn?

Bonn 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 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.

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 Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

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

Granada is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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 Granada or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

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 Granada or Bonn Better for Students?

Both Granada and Bonn are high quality 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.

Bonn is very popular with students. 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 Granada or Bonn Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bonn 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 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.

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 Bonn a more walkable city?

Granada and Bonn are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Granada?

How long in Granada or Bonn?

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

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

One day in Granada or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Granada. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bonn, 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 Bonn?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

In Bonn, 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 Bonn has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Granada. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bonn 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 Bonn?

The historic city of Granada offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Bonn, we can see that Bonn 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 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 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 Bonn Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Bonn. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

Granada is a little warmer than Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Bonn. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Bonn. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Granada is much warmer than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Bonn. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty.

Granada is much warmer than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Bonn. Granada 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 Granada