A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Lindau vs. Bonn for Families, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Lindau or Bonn?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lindau and Bonn can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Lindau

Lindau is a fun-filled, scenic, and alpine 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 food.

Bonn

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

Lindau and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 Lindau or Bonn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bonn. Although Lindau and Bonn are popular destinations, Bonn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bonn is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Lindau attracts visitors for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Lindau is more touristy than Bonn and is popular for its lakefront location and quaint old town. 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 Lindau different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lindau
Bonn

Bonn is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.


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

Lindau
Bonn

Lindau is a great 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 Lindau. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

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 Lindau or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Lindau
Bonn

Bonn is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Bonn has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Is Lindau or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Lindau
Bonn

Both Lindau and Bonn have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

Lindau is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Lindau or Bonn?

Lindau
Bonn

Bonn is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lindau or Bonn Better for Families?

Lindau
Bonn

Bonn is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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 family-friendly things to do in Lindau. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

Is Lindau or Bonn Better for Couples?

Lindau
Bonn

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

Lindau is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

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 Lindau or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lindau
Bonn

Lindau and Bonn are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lindau is a good town to visit for backpackers. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bonn. 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 Lindau or Bonn Better for Students?

Lindau
Bonn

Bonn is a great destination for students. However, Lindau is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Lindau
Bonn

Bonn is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options 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 Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.


Is Lindau or Bonn a more walkable city?

Lindau
Bonn

Lindau and Bonn both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Lindau is a very walkable town. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Lindau?

How long in Lindau or Bonn?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Lindau 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 Lindau or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lindau 2-4 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Lindau or Bonn?

Lindau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lindau or Bonn?

Lindau is a fun place to experience. 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.

Bonn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Lindau or Bonn?

Lindau is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lindau or Bonn?

Because Lindau is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Bonn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Historical Tours in Germany, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Lindau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lindau is €163, while the average daily cost in Bonn is €154. 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 Lindau and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lindau 91
    Bonn 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lindau 182
    Bonn 170
Compare Hotels in Lindau and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Lindau 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 Lindau


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: Lindau Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lindau 40
    Bonn 23

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 Lindau or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Lindau 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
    Lindau 45
    Bonn 49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lindau 27
    Bonn 34

Tours and Activities in Lindau

Here are a few actual costs in Lindau for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $326
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $271
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $75
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $210

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: $3.26
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.26
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.34
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.46
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.14
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • From Rhine River Boat Tour to Königswinter: $21
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $21
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lindau 25
    Bonn 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

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

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $197


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


Which is Bigger, Lindau or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Lindau 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.