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

Should you visit Auckland or Bergen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Auckland travel costs.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Bergen travel costs.

Auckland and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Auckland is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Bergen is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Auckland is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Auckland different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Auckland 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.

Auckland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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 Auckland or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland 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 Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

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 Auckland or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Auckland has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Auckland or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Auckland is notable for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is very good for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bergen. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Auckland is a good destination for hiking. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Bergen?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Auckland and Bergen.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Auckland or Bergen Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Bergen.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Bergen is known to be 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 Auckland or Bergen Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Bergen are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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 Auckland or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Auckland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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

Is Auckland or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Auckland is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international 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.

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

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Bergen can get you around easily. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Auckland or Bergen?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Bergen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Bergen?

Auckland 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.

Bergen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Bergen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the thrill-seeking big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bergen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, 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 Auckland and Bergen, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Bergen 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 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Bergen?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Auckland or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Auckland is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Auckland usually gets less rain in January than Bergenin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Auckland because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In April, Auckland is generally much warmer than Bergenin October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Auckland usually receives less rain than Bergenin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auckland or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Auckland during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. Auckland is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F)in January.

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually gets less rain in July than Bergenin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Bergen. Many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Auckland is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F)in April.

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Auckland usually receives less rain than Bergenin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Auckland