A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Basel for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a livable, cultural, and historical port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Although Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel are roughly the same size, Newcastle upon Tyne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is more popular for its food and nightlife, while Basel is known for its impressive beauty. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Tyne Bridge. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Basel and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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.

Is the Food Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Newcastle upon Tyne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Basel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Basel is a nice destination for couples. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel are both good destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel are excellent destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Basel is a great port 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.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

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

Families should spend more time in Basel than Newcastle upon Tyne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Basel, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Basel 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This port city 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.

In Basel, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Many people visit Basel for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Basel offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Basel. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Basel. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Basel. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Basel. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Basel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Basel during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Basel. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can be very cold during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Basel averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Basel. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Basel. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Basel. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Basel during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basel. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Newcastle upon Tyne