A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inverness vs. Bonn for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Bonn can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Inverness or Bonn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bonn. Although Inverness and Bonn are popular destinations, Bonn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bonn is very popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere, while Inverness attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. It is also well known for The Bonn Minster.

How is Inverness different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Bonn

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Inverness and Bonn.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Inverness or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Bonn

Inverness is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Bonn

Both Inverness and Bonn are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Inverness or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Bonn

Bonn is a well-known place for its old town. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Bonn?

Inverness
Bonn

Both Inverness and Bonn are great shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Inverness or Bonn Better for Families?

Inverness
Bonn

Bonn is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Inverness or Bonn Better for Couples?

Inverness
Bonn

Both Inverness and Bonn are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Bonn is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Inverness or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Bonn

Bonn is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Bonn Better for Students?

Inverness
Bonn

Bonn is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Bonn

Bonn is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Bonn has some very good public transit options. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.


Is Inverness or Bonn a more walkable city?

Inverness
Bonn

Inverness and Bonn both are great when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Inverness and Bonn. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bonn than Inverness. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Inverness 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 Bonn.


  • How many days in Inverness or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Inverness or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Inverness. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bonn. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Bonn?

Inverness is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Inverness or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Inverness. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Bonn. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inverness or Bonn?

The cultural city of Inverness offers nightlife and food. 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.

Bonn is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Bonn is £132. 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 Inverness and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Bonn £73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Bonn £146
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Bonn £19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33

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 Inverness or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Bonn £42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Bonn £29

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Bonn £20

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Bonn, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Bonn Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Inverness is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 14°C (58°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

Inverness is cooler than Bonn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Inverness usually receives more rain than Bonn. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Inverness during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, 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 Inverness in the winter. In the winter, Inverness is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Inverness in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bonn averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Bonn. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm.

In April, Inverness is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 7°C (44°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Inverness usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Bonn. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Inverness

Inverness Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)