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

Should you visit Marbella or Basel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Basel, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Basel

Basel is a vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Basel?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Basel. While Basel is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Basel is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Marbella is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Marbella different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Basel offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Marbella has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Basel area. 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 Marbella or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Marbella 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 Marbella just to party. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Basel Better for Music?

Marbella is notable for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Basel Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Basel is not a resort destination.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Basel is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Basel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Basel Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Basel?

Marbella 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 Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Basel Better for Families?

Marbella and Basel are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Basel is known to be 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 Marbella or Basel Better for Couples?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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

Is Marbella or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Basel are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Basel is a good resort town 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 Marbella or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Basel is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Basel. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marbella and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marbella than in Basel. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

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

One day in Marbella or Basel?

In Marbella, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town 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.

The beautiful city of Basel offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Basel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Basel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Basel?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Basel?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the ritzy destination of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Basel is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Marbella.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Basel. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

Marbella is a little warmer than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, 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 Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Basel. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

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

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Basel. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Basel. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Basel. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Basel. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

Marbella is a little warmer than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Basel. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Marbella