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

Should you visit Basel or Delft?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Delft, 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.

Basel

Basel is a cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. Basel is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Basel travel costs.

Delft

Delft is a historic, quaint, and charming town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Delft travel costs.

Basel and Delft: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Delft?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel than Delft. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also well known for The Kunstmuseum Basel. Delft is famous for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Basel different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Basel. 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.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Delft both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Basel. 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.

Delft is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Basel or Delft Better for Nightlife?

Basel is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Basel or Delft Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Delft both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. 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.

Delft is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Delft?

Basel is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Basel. 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.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Basel or Delft More Beautiful?

Basel is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Basel is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Situated along the river, this city is beautiful to explore on foot.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Basel or Delft Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Delft. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Basel or Delft Better for Couples?

Basel and Delft are both nice to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Delft is a good city for couples to visit. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Basel or Delft Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Basel or Delft Better for Students?

Basel and Delft are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Delft. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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

Both Basel and Delft offer high quality public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Delft can get you to most places easily. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Is Basel or Delft a more walkable city?

Basel and Delft both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Delft. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

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

Should I spend more time in Delft or Basel?

How long in Basel or Delft?

Basel and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Basel than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel than Delft 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 Basel or Delft?

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Delft, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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.

A weekend in Basel or Delft?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delft. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that a weekend is more than enough time to see everything. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Delft?

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

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

A week in Basel or Delft?

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

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Delft?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Delft, 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 Basel or Delft?

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 Basel or Delft in the Summer?

Both Delft and Basel during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Delft for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally a little warmer than Delft. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Delft fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Delft, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Basel. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than Delft. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 202 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Delft. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Delft receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Delft in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Delft. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Delft in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Basel is a little warmer than Delft in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Delft fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Delft during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Delft. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Delft receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Delft in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Basel as well as Delft. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Delft for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Delft can be very cold during winter. Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Basel is a little warmer than Delft. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Delft averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets more sunshine than Delft. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 47 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Delft. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Delft receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Delft in the Spring?

Both Delft and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Basel is generally much warmer than Delft. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Delft fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Delft during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Delft. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Delft receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Delft and Basel