A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Basel for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Basel?

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

Should I visit York or Basel? 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel

Basel is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Basel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York. Although York and Basel are popular destinations, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Basel attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Basel and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is York different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Basel?

Both York and Basel have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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.

Is the Food Better in York or Basel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 York or Basel Better for Nightlife?

York is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

York has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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.

Is York or Basel Better for its Old Town?

York is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Basel?

Basel is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Basel is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Basel Better for Families?

York is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. 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.

Is York or Basel Better for Couples?

York is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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

Is York or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is York or Basel Better for Students?

Basel is a well-known place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

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

York is not popular with students.

Is York or Basel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Basel is fairly effecient and thorough. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Basel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Basel or York?

How long in York or Basel?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Basel 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 York.

One day in York or Basel?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Basel is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in York or Basel?

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Basel. This city offers something for everyone. 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 York or Basel?

You'll find food and shopping around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The cultural city of Basel offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-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 York and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Basel?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Basel in the Summer?

Both Basel and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is cooler than Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Basel. York usually receives less sunshine than Basel during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Basel. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Basel in the Autumn?

Both Basel and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, York is generally cooler than Basel. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Basel. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Basel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Basel. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Basel can be very cold. York can be very cold during winter. York is a little warmer than Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Basel during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Basel. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Basel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Basel. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In the spring, York is cooler than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basel. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Basel. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and York