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

Should you visit Oxford or Bonn?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Bonn, 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.

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Oxford and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Bonn?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bonn than Oxford, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bonn is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford is known for its nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Bonn is popular 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.

How is Oxford different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Oxford or Bonn.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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.

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

Both Oxford and Bonn offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

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 Oxford or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a great college town for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Oxford has something for everybody. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Bonn to see the historical old town. 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Bonn?

Bonn is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Bonn Better for Couples?

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

Oxford is a great college town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Bonn Better for Students?

Oxford is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Bonn is very popular with students. 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.

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

Bonn is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Bonn a more walkable city?

Oxford and Bonn are very good when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Bonn. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bonn than Oxford. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Oxford or Bonn?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Bonn?

Oxford 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.

Bonn is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Bonn?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This college town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Bonn?

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Bonn. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Bonn. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bonn. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. In January, Oxford is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year.

Oxford is cooler than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bonn. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Oxford