A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Baden-Baden for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Baden-Baden?

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 Manchester and Baden-Baden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and peaceful spa town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Manchester or Baden-Baden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Manchester than Baden-Baden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Manchester is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Baden-Baden attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Baden-Baden is famous for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals.

How is Manchester different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Baden-Baden?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Manchester is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.


Is the Food Better in Manchester or Baden-Baden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Baden-Baden has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Manchester or Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Manchester is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its evening party scene.

Manchester offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Manchester or Baden-Baden Better for Music?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Manchester is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Baden-Baden is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Baden-Baden is not a live music destination.


Is Manchester or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is very good for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Baden-Baden. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Baden-Baden?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Manchester is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its shopping areas.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Baden-Baden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Is Manchester or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Baden-Baden.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Baden-Baden is a very kid-friendly city. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.


Is Manchester or Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Both Manchester and Baden-Baden are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Is Manchester or Baden-Baden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Manchester is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Manchester or Baden-Baden Better for Students?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Manchester is a well-known place for students. However, Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.


Is Manchester or Baden-Baden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Manchester is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Manchester can get you around easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Manchester or Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Manchester
Baden-Baden

Manchester and Baden-Baden are nice when it comes to walkability.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Baden-Baden?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Baden-Baden 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 Manchester.


  • How many days in Manchester or Baden-Baden? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Baden-Baden 1-3

One day in Manchester or Baden-Baden?

Manchester is a cultural city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing spa town of Baden-Baden, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Baden-Baden, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Manchester or Baden-Baden?

Manchester is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baden-Baden, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this spa town.

Five days in Manchester or Baden-Baden?

The vibrant city of Manchester offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Baden-Baden, a popular spa town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Manchester or Baden-Baden?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Manchester. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Baden-Baden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Baden-Baden or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Baden-Baden 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 Manchester and Baden-Baden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Baden-Baden £75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Baden-Baden £150
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Baden-Baden

Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Baden-Baden? 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 Manchester


Hotels in Baden-Baden


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Baden-Baden £28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

Also for Manchester, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 1-Wsy Airport Bus Transfer to/from Leeds: $6.86
  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Manchester: $8.12
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from London: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Bucklow Hill: $50
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Adlington (Macclesfield): $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Eccles to Manchester Airport (MAN): $56
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Eccles: $56
  • Private Transfer from Salford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford Quays to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Trafford Park to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Salford: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Baden-Baden?

Prices for flights to both Baden-Baden and Manchester 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
    Manchester £55
    Baden-Baden £35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

For Manchester, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Baden-Baden £29

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Manchester’s Rebirth and Renewal: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • England's First Industrial City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Canal & River Cruise: $15
  • City River Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

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

  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Baden-Baden £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101


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

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


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Baden-Baden?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Baden-Baden, 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 Manchester or Baden-Baden?

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 Manchester or Baden-Baden in the Summer?

Both Baden-Baden and Manchester during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manchester is cooler than Baden-Baden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In Baden-Baden, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Baden-Baden. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Baden-Baden. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Baden-Baden. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Baden-Baden. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

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

Baden-Baden can be very cold during winter. Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. Manchester is much warmer than Baden-Baden in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Baden-Baden. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in January than Baden-Baden. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manchester 4°C (39°F) 
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

Both Baden-Baden and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Manchester is cooler than Baden-Baden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Manchester

Manchester Baden-Baden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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