A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grindelwald vs. Bonn for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Grindelwald or Bonn?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Grindelwald and Bonn can help you decide which place is right for you.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a breathtaking, beautiful, and adventure-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Grindelwald and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Bonn?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grindelwald than Bonn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grindelwald is better known for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Grindelwald is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Also, Grindelwald is famous for the beautiful mountain scenery. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

The beautiful mountain scenery

How is Grindelwald different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Bonn Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is a great town for skiing. However, Bonn is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Bonn is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grindelwald or Bonn?

Bonn is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

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

Foodies will find both Grindelwald and Bonn both to be notable destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Grindelwald area. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

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.

Is Grindelwald or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Grindelwald and Bonn.

Grindelwald has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. 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 Grindelwald or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

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.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Bonn Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is very popular for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

People visit Grindelwald specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Bonn?

Bonn is well known for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Is Grindelwald or Bonn Better for Families?

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

Bonn is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Grindelwald is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

Is Grindelwald or Bonn Better for Couples?

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

Grindelwald is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

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 Grindelwald or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Grindelwald is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

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 Grindelwald or Bonn Better for Students?

Bonn is well known for students. However, Grindelwald is not popular with students.

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.

Grindelwald is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is well known for its public transit. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bonn can get you to most places easily. 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.

While Grindelwald offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel around the region.

Is Grindelwald or Bonn a more walkable city?

Bonn is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Grindelwald is somewhat walkable. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Bonn?

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

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

One day in Grindelwald or Bonn?

Grindelwald is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively city of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Bonn?

Grindelwald is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Grindelwald or Bonn?

Grindelwald is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town 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.

The outdoorsy city of Bonn offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Grindelwald or Bonn?

Because Grindelwald is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, 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 Grindelwald and Bonn, we can see that Grindelwald is more expensive. And not only is Bonn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bonn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bonn 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 Grindelwald would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grindelwald than you might in Bonn.

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald or Bonn?

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 Grindelwald or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Grindelwald during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grindelwald in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Grindelwald. In the summer, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in July than Bonn. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Bonn. The autumn months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

In October, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 15°C (58°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Bonn. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Bonn. The skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bonn. It's quite cold in Grindelwald in the winter. Grindelwald is much warmer than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grindelwald in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during spring. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In April, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Bonn. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Grindelwald