A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Bern for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Aalborg or Bern?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Bern. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a historic, charming, and local town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern

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

Aalborg and Bern: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bern. Although Aalborg and Bern are both popular with visitors, Bern has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bern is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Aalborg is known for its food, nightlife, and small town charm. Aalborg is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also home to The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Aalborg different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Bern?

Aalborg
Bern

Bern is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bern. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Aalborg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.


Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Bern

Aalborg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Aalborg makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Aalborg or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Bern

Aalborg is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Aalborg offers plenty to do in the evening. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Aalborg or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Bern

Bern is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.


Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Bern?

Aalborg
Bern

Bern is a great destination for shopping. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Is Aalborg or Bern Better for Families?

Aalborg
Bern

Bern is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Aalborg offers lots of family activities. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Is Aalborg or Bern Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Bern

Bern is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.


Is Aalborg or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Bern

Bern is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Aalborg or Bern Better for Students?

Aalborg
Bern

Aalborg is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Aalborg is a good town to visit for students. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Bern is not popular with students.

Is Aalborg or Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aalborg
Bern

Bern is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.


Is Aalborg or Bern a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Bern

Bern is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aalborg and Bern. In our opinion, Bern has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bern than Aalborg. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Aalborg 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 Bern.


  • How many days in Aalborg or Bern? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Bern 1-3

One day in Aalborg or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aalborg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bern, 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.

A weekend in Aalborg or Bern?

Aalborg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

In Bern, 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 Bern has to offer.


Five days in Aalborg or Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Aalborg. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bern 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.

A week in Aalborg or Bern?

The local town of Aalborg offers nightlife and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern or Aalborg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $156, while the average daily cost in Bern is $249. 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 Aalborg and Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Bern $161
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Bern $322
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Bern? 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 Aalborg


Hotels in Bern


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: Aalborg Hotel Prices and Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Bern $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $87
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $131
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern and Aalborg 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
    Aalborg $47
    Bern $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Bern $34

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

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

  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $14
  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $44
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $219
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $246
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $480

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Bern $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aalborg and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Aalborg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aalborg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aalborg 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Aalborg.

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


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Bern?

Aalborg has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Bern, 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 Aalborg or Bern?

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 Aalborg or Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Bern. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences.

Aalborg is cooler than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Aalborg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bern. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Bern. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aalborg is cooler than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aalborg in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bern can be very cold during winter. Aalborg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Aalborg is generally much colder than Bern. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around -1°C (31°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Bern. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Aalborg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty.

Aalborg is much colder than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Aalborg

Aalborg Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)