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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Bonn?

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 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, 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.

Palma de Mallorca and Bonn: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Bonn, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also home to the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bonn 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 Bonn?

Bonn 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 Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a great island 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 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.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Palma de Mallorca is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bonn Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for live music. However, Bonn is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a thriving music scene. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Bonn is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bonn Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Bonn is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Bonn is not a resort destination.

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

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

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Bonn is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

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

Bonn is not a beach destination.

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

Bonn 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 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.

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 Bonn Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bonn?

Bonn 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 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.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bonn Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Bonn are both good 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.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bonn Better for Students?

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

Bonn is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Bonn 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 Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. 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 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 Bonn a more walkable city?

Bonn is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore 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 Bonn Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Bonn?

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

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bonn, 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 Bonn?

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy city of Bonn, 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 Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the historic destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Bonn. 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 Bonn?

The stunning island of Palma de Mallorca offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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.

Bonn 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Bonn Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Bonn?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Bonn. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bonn. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of 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. In January, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bonn. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Bonn and Palma de Mallorca during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bonn. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 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 Palma de Mallorca