A Travel Price Comparison for Switzerland Interlaken vs. Basel for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Interlaken or Basel?

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 Interlaken and Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

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.

Interlaken and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Basel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Basel. Although Interlaken and Basel are popular destinations, Basel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Basel is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also well known for The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Interlaken different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Basel Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Basel is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Basel is not a skiing destination.

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

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Basel specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Interlaken or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Basel is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Basel. 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Basel Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Basel?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Basel Better for Families?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. 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.

Is Interlaken or Basel Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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

Is Interlaken or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Basel are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. 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 Interlaken or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Interlaken and Basel.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Interlaken or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Basel?

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

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Basel. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Interlaken, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Basel?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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.

With museums and nightlife around the easily accessible city of Basel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Basel, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Basel, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Basel?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Basel, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Basel?

You'll find food and skiing around the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Basel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best 2-Week Tours from Zurich, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Basel. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°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 Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Basel. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Basel. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basel. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can be very cold during winter. Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. Interlaken is around the same temperature as Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Basel. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Basel. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basel. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Interlaken