A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sigulda vs. Basel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sigulda or Basel?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Basel?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

Basel

Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Basel or Sigulda?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Basel is €221. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sigulda and Basel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Basel 134
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Basel 268
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Basel

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda or Basel? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sigulda


Hotels in Basel


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Basel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Basel 43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $108
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $157
  • Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $119
  • ONE WAY: Basel Train Station (ZDH) to / from Basel transfer: $88
  • Private Direct Transfer from Basel to Zurich: $205
  • Private One-way Transfer From Basel to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $186
  • Private Transfer From Basel To Bern With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $224
  • Private Transfer from Basel to Zurich with 3h Sightseeing Stops: $251
  • Private Transfer: Basel Airport BSL to Zurich in Luxury Van: $261
  • Private direct transfer from Basel to Lucerne with a local driver: $177
  • Private transfer from Basel to Strasbourg with a local driver: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Basel?

Prices for flights to both Basel and Sigulda change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sigulda 7.81
    Basel 57
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:


  • Pastry
    1.85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Basel 35

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218

Tours and Activities in Basel

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Basel Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.35
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
  • Basel's Portrait Self Guided Audio City Tour: $5.60
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
  • The Best of Basel’s Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Uncover Basel's Charms: In-App Audio Tour of Cultural Gems: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sigulda -
    Basel 31

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144

Sample the Local Flavors in Basel

Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Meet People and Hidden Bars and Clubs: $33
  • Pinot Noir & Pinot Wine Tour to Baden-Württemberg: $279
  • Fantastic, full day, private wine tour to Alsace!: $285
  • Half Day Private Cheese & Wine Tasting in Vineyard in Basel: $289


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Basel?

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 Sigulda or Basel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Basel. Furthermore, many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sigulda is cooler than Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sigulda in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In July, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Basel. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Basel 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Basel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Basel. Additionally, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sigulda is generally much colder than Basel. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 7°C (45°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Basel 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can be very cold during winter. Sigulda can get quite cold in the winter. Sigulda is much colder than Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Basel. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Basel 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Basel in the Spring?

Both Basel and Sigulda during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sigulda is much colder than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sigulda in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Basel 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Basel and Sigulda

Sigulda Basel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)