A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Villach vs. Bonn for Families, Attractions, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Villach or Bonn?

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

Should I visit Villach or Bonn? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Villach

Villach is a outdoorsy, historic, and nature-filled town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Villach and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Villach or Bonn?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bonn than Villach. Bonn is bigger than Villach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bonn is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Villach is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Villach is well known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. Bonn is well 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.

How is Villach different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Villach
Bonn

Bonn is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.


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

Villach
Bonn

Bonn is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bonn area. 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Villach
Bonn

Evening events are notable in both Villach and Bonn.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Villach or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Villach
Bonn

Bonn is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bonn. 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.


Is Villach or Bonn Better for Hiking?

Villach
Bonn

Villach is a great town for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Villach for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Bonn?

Villach
Bonn

Bonn is notable for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Bonn Better for Families?

Villach
Bonn

Bonn is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Villach is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.


Is Villach or Bonn Better for Couples?

Villach
Bonn

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

Villach is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

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 Villach or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach
Bonn

Villach is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Villach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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 Villach or Bonn Better for Students?

Villach
Bonn

Bonn is notable for students. However, Villach is not popular with students.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Villach is not popular with students.


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

Villach
Bonn

Bonn is notable for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Bonn offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Bonn a more walkable city?

Villach
Bonn

Bonn is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Villach?

How long in Villach or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Villach and Bonn. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bonn than Villach. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bonn than Villach. 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 Bonn than Villach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bonn that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Villach 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.


  • How many days in Villach or Bonn? Ideal Length of Stay
    Villach 1-3 
    Bonn 1-3

One day in Villach or Bonn?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Villach. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bonn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Villach or Bonn?

Villach is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

In Bonn, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer.

Five days in Villach or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nature-filled destination of Villach. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bonn is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Villach or Bonn?

The historic town of Villach offers nightlife and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Villach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Villach is €116, while the average daily cost in Bonn is €154. 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 Villach and Bonn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Villach 69
    Bonn 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Villach 138
    Bonn 170
Compare Hotels in Villach and Bonn

Looking for a hotel in Villach or Bonn? 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 Villach


Hotels in Bonn


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: Villach Hotel Prices and Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Villach 18
    Bonn 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bonn

Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bonn hotels Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Villach or Bonn?

Prices for flights to both Bonn and Villach 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
    Villach 35
    Bonn 49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Villach 15
    Bonn 34

Tours and Activities in Villach

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

  • Villach Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $250
  • Magic Christmas Tour: $769
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Bonn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Bonn - City Center: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Bonn Self Guided City Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $11
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Autumn tours with a live guide: $20
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Villach 14
    Bonn 23


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

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


Which is Bigger, Villach or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach or Bonn?

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 Villach or Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Villach as well as Bonn. The summer months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

In the summer, Villach is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Villach in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Villach this time of the year. In the summer, Villach often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Villach 24°C (75°F) 
    Bonn 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Villach or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the shopping scene.

In October, Villach is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 16°C (60°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during autumn. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Villach usually receives more rain than Bonn. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Villach 16°C (60°F) 
    Bonn 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Villach or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Villach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Villach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bonn in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bonn can get quite cold in the winter. Villach is much warmer than Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Villach often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Villach 5°C (41°F) 
    Bonn 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Villach or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Bonn. Many visitors come to Villach in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Villach is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Villach in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during spring. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Villach usually receives more rain than Bonn. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Villach 13°C (56°F) 
    Bonn 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bonn and Villach

Villach Bonn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)