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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Bonn?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a traditional, quiet, and calm island. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Bonn

Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Bonn?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bonn than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bonn is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Saaremaa is more popular for its food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Bonn is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Also, Bonn is famous for The Bonn Minster. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Bonn is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Bonn Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bonn is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Bonn is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is great for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Bonn?

Bonn is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Bonn Better for Couples?

Saaremaa is a great island for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Bonn are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Bonn is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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 Saaremaa or Bonn Better for Students?

Bonn is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Bonn is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Bonn can get you to most places easily. 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 limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Bonn a more walkable city?

Bonn is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and Bonn. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in Bonn. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bonn.

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Saaremaa. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Bonn?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Bonn offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Bonn?

Saaremaa 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bonn, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Bonn?

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

Bonn is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Bonn?

Because Saaremaa 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.

Bonn is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Saaremaa and Bonn, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Saaremaa is cooler than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Bonn. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene.

In October, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Bonn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Bonn. The winter months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Saaremaa can be very cold. Saaremaa is much colder than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

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

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Bonn. Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Bonn. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the spring. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Bonn. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Saaremaa