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

Should you visit Athens or Bergen?

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 Athens and Bergen. 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.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its shopping and small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Athens is very popular 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.

Athens has a world-famous historical area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Bergen?

Bergen is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Bergen Better for Families?

Both Athens and Bergen are superb family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bergen is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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

Is Athens or Bergen Better for Students?

Athens is notable for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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.

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

Athens and Bergen both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Athens or Bergen a more walkable city?

Athens and Bergen are superb when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Athens?

How long in Athens or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Bergen?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Bergen?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen 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 Athens or Bergen?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. 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 Athens or Bergen?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Athens and Bergen, we can see that Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Bergen?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Bergen. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Bergen. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

Athens is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Bergen. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Athens