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

Should you visit Lagos or Bonn?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Bonn. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Bonn?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Bonn are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Lagos is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Lagos different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bonn. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lagos is a great resort town 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 Lagos. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Lagos is a great resort town for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Lagos has something for everybody. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos or Bonn Better for Resorts?

Lagos is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Bonn Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a great resort town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Lagos is very popular for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Bonn Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a great resort town for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Bonn?

Bonn is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bonn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Bonn Better for Families?

Both Lagos and Bonn are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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.

Is Lagos or Bonn Better for Couples?

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

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Lagos. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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 Lagos or Bonn Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bonn. 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is well known for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Bonn a more walkable city?

Bonn is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Bonn?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos 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 Lagos.

One day in Lagos or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Lagos. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Bonn?

Lagos is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Five days in Lagos or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the dramatic destination of Lagos. This resort town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A week in Lagos or Bonn?

The vibrant resort town of Lagos 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, 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 Lagos and Bonn, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Bonn. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Bonn. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lagos is much warmer than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Bonn. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Bonn. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Bonn. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Lagos is much warmer than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Bonn. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Lagos