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

Should you visit Sydney or Basel?

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

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

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Sydney travel costs.

Basel

Basel is a historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, Basel attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Basel travel costs.

Sydney and Basel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Basel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Basel is known for its historical sights. Sydney is more touristy than Basel and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Sydney different from Basel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney 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 Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

Sydney is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Basel Better for Nightlife?

Sydney 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 Sydney just to party. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Basel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Basel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Basel Better for Beaches?

Sydney is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Basel is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Basel is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Basel Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Basel Better for Hiking?

Sydney is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Basel is not a hiking destination.

Sydney is a popular spot for hiking. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Basel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Basel?

Sydney 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 Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Basel More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Sydney and Basel.

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

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

Is Sydney or Basel Better for Families?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Basel Better for Couples?

Sydney 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.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Basel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney 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 Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Basel Better for Students?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney can get you around easily. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Sydney or Basel a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Basel or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Basel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sydney and Basel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Basel. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 1-3 days is enough time in Basel.

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Basel?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Basel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Basel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Basel?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Basel?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Basel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Basel, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Sydney much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific and Basel is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sydney would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sydney 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 Sydney.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Basel?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Basel?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Basel has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Basel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Basel. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.

In January, Sydney is generally around the same temperature as Baselin July. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basel during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Baselin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Basel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Basel. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Sydney is a little warmer than Basel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F)in October.

In the autumn, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Baselin October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney usually gets more rain in April than Baselin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Basel in the Winter?

Both Basel and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Sydney is much warmer than Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Basel averages at about 3°C (37°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Basel during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives less rain than Baselin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Basel in the Spring?

Both Basel and Sydney during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.

In October, Sydney is generally much warmer than Baselin April. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the spring, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Baselin April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Baselin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Basel and Sydney