A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Basel for Attractions, Old Town, Families, and Food

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a peaceful, park-filled, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the food and theater.

Basel

Basel is a vibrant, historic, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Basel than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Basel is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions and small town charm. Basel is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. Also, Basel is famous for The Kunstmuseum Basel. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

Basel is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Basel specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Basel is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Basel is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Basel can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Basel area. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Basel is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Basel. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

Basel is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Basel is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel Better for Families?

Basel is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Basel is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Basel are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Basel is a good town for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Basel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Basel is very popular with students. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Basel is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Basel can get you around easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Basel than Stratford-upon-Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Basel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Basel.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Lots of people come for the theater. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Basel, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people visit Basel for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Basel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the theater. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Basel offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the theater. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Basel. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Basel in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Basel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Basel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Basel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Basel averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Basel during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Basel. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Basel can be very cold during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally a little warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Basel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Basel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Basel. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Basel in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Basel. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 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 Stratford-upon-Avon