A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Basel for Nightlife, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Basel, 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Basel

Basel is a cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Basel attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Palma de Mallorca just to party. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Palma de Mallorca. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for its resorts. However, Basel is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Basel is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Palma de Mallorca are among the best in the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Basel. 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Basel are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Basel is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Basel are both nice to visit as a couple.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Basel is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Basel is a great 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Basel is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Basel can move around easily with public transportation. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Basel. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palma de Mallorca and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than in Basel. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Basel, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Basel, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the historic destination of Palma de Mallorca. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Basel is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Basel?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Basel. The summer months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Basel. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Basel during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Basel. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Palma de Mallorca during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Basel. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Basel. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Basel. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Basel during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Basel. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Basel and Palma de Mallorca