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

Should you visit Nottingham or Bonn?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Bonn can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a authentic, dynamic, and livable city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Bonn?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nottingham than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Nottingham, Nottingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nottingham is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Bonn is known for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Nottingham different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nottingham
Bonn

Bonn is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bonn. 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.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.


Is the Food Better in Nottingham or Bonn? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Bonn

Both Nottingham and Bonn offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Nottingham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Bonn has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Nottingham or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Bonn

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Bonn.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. 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 Nottingham or Bonn Better for Music?

Nottingham
Bonn

Nottingham is a popular place for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Nottingham is active and vibrant. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Bonn is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Nottingham
Bonn

Bonn is well known for its historic old town. However, Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Bonn is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Bonn?

Nottingham
Bonn

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bonn and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Bonn is well-known for its shopping. 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 Nottingham or Bonn Better for Families?

Nottingham
Bonn

Bonn is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Nottingham offers lots of family activities. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.


Is Nottingham or Bonn Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Bonn

Both Nottingham and Bonn are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

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 Nottingham or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nottingham
Bonn

Bonn is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Bonn is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Bonn Better for Students?

Nottingham
Bonn

Bonn is well known for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bonn. 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.

Nottingham is not popular with students.


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

Nottingham
Bonn

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Bonn.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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 Nottingham or Bonn a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Bonn

Nottingham and Bonn both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Bonn?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Nottingham 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 Bonn.


  • How many days in Nottingham or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Nottingham or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the lively 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 Nottingham or Bonn?

Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Bonn?

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic destination of Nottingham. 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 Nottingham or Bonn?

The livable city of Nottingham 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Nottingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, while the average daily cost in Bonn is £132. 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 Nottingham and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Bonn £73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Bonn £146
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham or Bonn? 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 Nottingham


Hotels in Bonn


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Bonn £19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Bonn £42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Bonn £29

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Gems of Boston (UK) – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $222
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Men's Yellow Belly Half-Day Spa Experience: $203
  • Nottingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Nottingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $279
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Nottingham and Robin Hood Private Guided Walking Tour: $153
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Bonn £20

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Bonn, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Nottingham. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Bonn?

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 Nottingham or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Nottingham during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In the summer, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Bonn. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months.

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

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bonn because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bonn can be very cold. Nottingham can be very cold during winter. In January, Nottingham is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bonn. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the activities around the city.

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

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Nottingham

Nottingham Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)