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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Bonn?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palermo than Bonn. Palermo is bigger than Bonn, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palermo is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Palermo different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Palermo 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 Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Palermo 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 Palermo has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Bonn Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palermo has a few good snorkeling spots. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Palermo is a great city for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Palermo is considered a top beach destination. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Bonn?

Both Palermo and Bonn are excellent shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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.

Is Palermo or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Palermo is a very family-friendly destination. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Is Palermo or Bonn Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Bonn are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. 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 Palermo or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Bonn are notable destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Palermo or Bonn Better for Students?

Bonn is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Bonn is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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 mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Bonn a more walkable city?

Palermo and Bonn both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Bonn?

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

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

One day in Palermo or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Palermo or Bonn?

Palermo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Palermo or Bonn?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful destination of Palermo. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Palermo or Bonn?

The colorful city of Palermo offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Palermo and Bonn, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Bonn?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Bonn. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Bonn in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Palermo is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives more rain than Bonn. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Palermo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Palermo is much warmer than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Bonn. The spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Bonn. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Palermo