A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Bonn for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Bonn. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a stunning, spectacular, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bonn. Although Outer Hebrides and Bonn are both popular with visitors, Bonn has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bonn is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Outer Hebrides is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Bonn is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. It is also home to The Bonn Minster. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Bonn is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago 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 Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Bonn is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Bonn is not a beach destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Bonn is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bonn Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Outer Hebrides is very popular for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Bonn is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Bonn Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bonn Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

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

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Outer Hebrides and Bonn are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. 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 Outer Hebrides or Bonn Better for Students?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Bonn is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bonn. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bonn a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Bonn

Bonn is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Bonn. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Bonn. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bonn.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bonn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the tranquil destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the tranquil archipelago of Outer Hebrides. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bonn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Outer Hebrides?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, 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 Outer Hebrides and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Outer Hebrides £62
    Bonn £73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Outer Hebrides £124
    Bonn £146
Compare Hotels in Outer Hebrides and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides


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: Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    Bonn £19

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 Outer Hebrides or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Outer Hebrides 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
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Bonn £42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    Bonn £29

Tours and Activities in Bonn

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

  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $120
  • Bonn : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $51
  • Bonn Crime-Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Musikerviertel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bonn Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $222
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Bonn Walking Tour (In the footsteps of Ludwig Van Beethoven): $321
  • Bonn and Bad Godesberg hop-on hop-off tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    Bonn £20


When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Bonn Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Bonn. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Outer Hebrides 13°C (55°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Bonn. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Outer Hebrides in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Outer Hebrides 9°C (49°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Outer Hebrides is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 4°C (40°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Bonn. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Outer Hebrides 4°C (40°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than Bonn. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Outer Hebrides 7°C (44°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 126 mm (5 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)