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

Should you visit Nafplio or Bonn?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Bonn? 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.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a romantic, beautiful, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Bonn?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nafplio than Bonn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nafplio is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. Nafplio is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Also, Nafplio is famous for Palamidi Castle. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Nafplio different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nafplio or Bonn?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Bonn and Nafplio.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

Many visitors head to Bonn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Nafplio or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nafplio 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 Nafplio. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

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 Nafplio or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio 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 Nafplio has something for everybody. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

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 Nafplio or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Nafplio is a good option for a beach vacation. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Nafplio and Bonn.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Bonn?

Bonn is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bonn. 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.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Is Nafplio or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nafplio. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

Is Nafplio or Bonn Better for Couples?

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

Nafplio is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

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 Nafplio or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Bonn are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Nafplio or Bonn Better for Students?

Bonn is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Bonn offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Is Nafplio or Bonn a more walkable city?

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

Nafplio is a very easy city to get around on foot. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Bonn. In our opinion, Nafplio has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nafplio than Bonn. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bonn.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio 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 Nafplio.

One day in Nafplio or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bonn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Nafplio or Bonn?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

In Bonn, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer.

Five days in Nafplio or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Nafplio. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bonn is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Bonn?

The picturesque city of Nafplio offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, 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 Nafplio and Bonn, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Nafplio much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nafplio would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nafplio 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn than you might in Nafplio.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Bonn. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

In the summer, Nafplio is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Bonn. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Bonn. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene.

In October, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. Nafplio is much warmer than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Bonn. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nafplio is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Bonn and Nafplio