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

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

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Bonn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester than Bonn, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Manchester is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bonn is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Manchester different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bonn 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 Bonn?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Manchester or Bonn.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Manchester or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester 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 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.

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 Manchester or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Manchester has something for everybody. 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.

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 Manchester or Bonn Better for Music?

Manchester is a great city for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

Manchester has a thriving music scene. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Bonn?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Bonn both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. 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.

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.

Is Manchester or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Manchester or Bonn Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Manchester or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Bonn are good places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Manchester or Bonn Better for Students?

For students, both Manchester and Bonn are great places to visit.

Manchester is very popular with students. 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.

Bonn is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

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

Manchester and Bonn both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Public transit in Bonn can get you to some places easily. 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.

Is Manchester or Bonn a more walkable city?

Bonn is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Bonn?

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

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Manchester. 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 Manchester than Bonn. 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 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 Manchester.

One day in Manchester or Bonn?

Manchester is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Bonn, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bonn, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Bonn?

Manchester 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bonn, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Bonn?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant big city of Manchester. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bonn, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bonn?

The cultural city of Manchester offers shopping and museums. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Bonn, we can see that Manchester 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 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 Bonn.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Bonn?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester or Bonn?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Manchester or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences.

Manchester is cooler than Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives less rain than Bonn. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

In the autumn, Manchester is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Bonn. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, 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 Manchester in the winter. In January, Manchester is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Manchester usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than Bonn. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Bonn. Many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city.

Manchester is cooler than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bonn. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Manchester