A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Basel for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Lisbon or Basel?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Basel? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Basel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lisbon is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Lisbon different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lisbon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Lisbon just to party. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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.

Is Lisbon or Basel Better for Music?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Lisbon The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Basel Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

Lisbon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Lisbon is revered around the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Basel?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Is Lisbon or Basel Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Basel.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Basel is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Lisbon or Basel Better for Couples?

Lisbon is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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

Is Lisbon or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Lisbon or Basel Better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Basel are very good destinations for students.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international 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.

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

Lisbon is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Lisbon can get you around easily. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Lisbon or Basel a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Basel are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Basel. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Basel?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.

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

A weekend in Lisbon or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Basel 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 Lisbon or Basel?

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. 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 Lisbon or Basel?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the easily accessible destination of Basel. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Basel?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Basel. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Basel. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Basel fluctuates around 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 Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Basel. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Basel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Basel during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Basel. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Basel can be very cold. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Basel averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Basel. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Basel. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Basel. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In April, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Basel. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Lisbon