A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Minsk vs. Basel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Minsk or Basel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk 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.

Where Should I go: Minsk or Basel?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

Basel

Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Basel or Minsk?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Basel is $236. 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 Minsk and Basel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Basel $143
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Basel $286
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Basel

Looking for a hotel in Minsk or Basel? 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 Minsk


Hotels in Basel


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: Basel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minsk $12
    Basel $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • Round Trip Private Transfer From Basel EuroAirport to Feldberg: $87
  • ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
  • Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
  • Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
  • Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
  • Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
  • Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233
  • Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Basel?

Prices for flights to both Basel and Minsk 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
    Minsk $21
    Basel $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minsk $20
    Basel $37

Tours and Activities in Basel

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
  • Basel's Portrait Self Guided Audio City Tour: $5.60
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
  • The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Uncover Basel's Charms: In-App Audio Tour of Cultural Gems: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    Basel $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

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

  • Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
  • Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
  • Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
  • Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289


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

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


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Basel?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk or Basel?

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 Minsk or Basel in the Summer?

Both Basel and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

Minsk is cooler than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minsk. Minsk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during summer. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minsk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basel. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Basel 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Minsk during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Minsk is much colder than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minsk in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Basel. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Basel 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Basel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Basel. 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Minsk. In January, Minsk is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around -5°C (22°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Basel during winter. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minsk usually receives less rain than Basel. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Basel 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Basel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Basel. Additionally, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

Minsk is cooler than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Minsk often gets more sunshine than Basel. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Basel 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Basel and Minsk

Minsk Basel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)