A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Basel or Paris?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Paris, 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Basel travel costs.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty in Paris as well. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Paris travel costs.

Basel and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Basel attracts visitors for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Basel different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris 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 Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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.

Is Basel or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris 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 Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Basel is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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, Paris is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Basel or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Basel or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Basel or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Basel is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Paris?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Is Basel or Paris More Beautiful?

Paris is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Paris as well. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.

With stunning beauty, Basel attracts visitors from all around. Situated along the river, this city is beautiful to explore on foot.

Is Basel or Paris Better for Families?

Paris 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.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Basel or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's 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 Basel or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts 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 Basel or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. 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.

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Basel or Paris a more walkable city?

Basel is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Basel?

How long in Basel or Paris?

Both Basel and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

One day in Basel or Paris?

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this museum-filled 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.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

A weekend in Basel or Paris?

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 Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Paris?

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.

Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the easily accessible 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.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Basel and Paris, we can see that Basel is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Paris. Many visitors come to Basel in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Basel is around the same temperature as Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Paris. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Basel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. The weather in Basel can be very cold. In the winter, Basel is much colder than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Paris. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Paris. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Paris in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Paris. The natural beauty are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Paris during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Paris. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Basel