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

Should you visit Antalya or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Bergen? 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a historic, cultural, and vibrant vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antalya is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Antalya is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Antalya different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Bergen?

Antalya is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Antalya is an experience not to be missed. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Antalya is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Antalya has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Music?

Antalya is a popular place for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Antalya is active and vibrant. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Resorts?

Antalya is very popular for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Antalya is a great choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Antalya has a few good snorkeling spots. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Antalya is very popular for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Antalya. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Antalya is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Bergen?

Antalya is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Antalya is a world class destination for shoppers. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Bergen.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Bergen is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Bergen make for a high quality place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Bergen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antalya is a very popular vacation spot for backpackers and budget travelers. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Antalya and Bergen.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bergen. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Is Antalya or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Bergen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Bergen 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Antalya or Bergen?

Antalya 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.

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bergen has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bergen is a great place to explore. 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 Antalya or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the luxurious destination of Antalya. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Bergen?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Bergen, 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 Antalya or Bergen?

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 Antalya or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Bergen. The summer months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Antalya is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Antalya is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antalya in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Bergen. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Antalya is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Bergen. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Bergen. Many visitors come to Antalya in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

Antalya is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Bergen. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Antalya