A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Glencoe for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bonn or Glencoe?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Glencoe? 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.

Bonn

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

Glencoe

Glencoe is a picturesque, natural, and serene village. Many visitors also come to Glencoe because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking. See Glencoe travel costs.

Bonn and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bonn or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bonn than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bonn is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Glencoe is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. 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. Glencoe is well known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Bonn different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bonn
Glencoe

Both Bonn and Glencoe offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bonn. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Bonn or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Bonn has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Bonn or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

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

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.


Is Bonn or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Bonn
Glencoe

Glencoe is a great village for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Glencoe?

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is well known for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bonn or Glencoe More Beautiful?

Bonn
Glencoe

Glencoe is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Glencoe because of it's amazing beauty. The surrounding countryside if filled with dramatic hills and beautiful lakes.

Bonn is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Bonn or Glencoe Better for Families?

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Glencoe is a very family-friendly destination. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Bonn or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Bonn
Glencoe

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

Glencoe is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful 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 Bonn or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bonn is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.


Is Bonn or Glencoe Better for Students?

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is well known for students. However, Glencoe is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bonn. 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.

Glencoe is not popular with students.

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

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is well known for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bonn. 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 Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Bonn or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Bonn
Glencoe

Bonn is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.


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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Glencoe?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Glencoe 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 Bonn or Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bonn 1-3 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Bonn or Glencoe?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. 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.

A weekend in Bonn or Glencoe?

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.

Glencoe 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.

Five days in Bonn or Glencoe?

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.

You'll find food around the beautiful destination of Glencoe. This village 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.


A week in Bonn or Glencoe?

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.

The serene village of Glencoe offers food. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe or Bonn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Bonn Prices
    Germany Prices
    Glencoe Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bonn 190
    Glencoe 162

The average daily cost (per person) in Bonn is €190, while the average daily cost in Glencoe is €162. 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 Bonn and Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bonn 85
    Glencoe 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bonn 170
    Glencoe 134
Compare Hotels in Bonn and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Bonn or Glencoe? 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 Bonn


Hotels in Glencoe


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: Bonn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bonn 23
    Glencoe 42

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: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Bonn or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe and Bonn 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
    Bonn 84
    Glencoe 65

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    53
  • Lunch for 2
    26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bonn 34
    Glencoe 33

Tours and Activities in Bonn

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

  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.78
  • Bonn Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.40
  • Bonn Interactive City Tour: $8.35
  • Beethoven’s Birthplace Self Guided Tour through Bonn’s Old Town: $8.99
  • Bonn Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.53
  • Bonn Government District : Audio tour with real city guide: $17
  • From Christmassy Advent Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Panoramic tour between Bonn and Königswinter - MS Moby Dick: $22
  • Panoramic tour between Bonn and Königswinter: $22
  • RhineRiverBoatTour from Bonn to Königswinter with Live Guide: $23
  • River Cruise on the Rhine to Königswinter: $24
  • 1.5-Hour River Cruise on the Rhine: $24

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Fort William Evening Cruise: $49
  • Fort William Seal Island Cruise: $52
  • Fort William Speed boat adventure 90 minutes: $65
  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bonn 23
    Glencoe 7.74


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

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