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

Should you visit Bali 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 Bali and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a stunning, tropical, and lush island. You'll find world class beauty in Bali as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Bali travel costs.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bergen travel costs.

Bali and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and small town charm. Bali is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bali different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bergen is very good for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali 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, Bali is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Bali or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Bali is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali or Bergen Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Bali is a great choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Bergen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Bali a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Bergen Better for Beaches?

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Bali. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Bali or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

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

Many people head to Bergen to see the old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Bergen Better for Hiking?

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

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Bergen?

Both Bali and Bergen are great shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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.

Is Bali or Bergen More Beautiful?

Bali is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Bergen is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Bali as well. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Bergen is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bali or Bergen Better for Families?

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

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bergen. 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 Bali or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bali is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Bali makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Bali or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bali is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

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

Is Bali or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is very good for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Bergen is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Bergen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bergen can get you to some places 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.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island 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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Bali?

How long in Bali or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bali and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Bergen. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

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

One day in Bali or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bali or Bergen?

Bali 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 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.

Five days in Bali or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Bali or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the spiritual destination of Bali. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

The friendly city of Bergen 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, 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 Bali and Bergen, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia 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 Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen than you might in Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Bergen?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Bergen?

Bergen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Should I visit Bali or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In October, Bali is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. Bali is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bali usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Bergen. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Bali