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

Should you visit Barcelona or Bergen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Bergen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a colorful, laid-back, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Bergen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Bergen. Barcelona is bigger than Bergen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Barcelona different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona 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.

Barcelona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Barcelona or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona is an experience not to be missed. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Barcelona or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Barcelona is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona or Bergen Better for Music?

Barcelona is very popular for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

In Barcelona you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a popular place for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Barcelona is a good option for a beach vacation. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

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 Barcelona or Bergen?

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

Barcelona is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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 Barcelona or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Barcelona or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Barcelona or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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

Is Barcelona or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

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

Both Barcelona and Bergen offer excellent public transit options.

Visitors to Barcelona can move around easily with public transportation. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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.

Is Barcelona or Bergen a more walkable city?

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

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Barcelona or Bergen?

Barcelona 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bergen. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bergen has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Bergen?

Barcelona 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Bergen. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nostalgic city of Bergen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Bergen?

Barcelona 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.

Bergen is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, 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 Barcelona and Bergen, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Bergen?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Bergen?

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 Barcelona or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Barcelona is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 23°C (73°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Bergen. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Barcelona or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Barcelona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Barcelona is much warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Barcelona usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Bergen. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. In the winter, Barcelona is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Barcelona in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Bergen. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Barcelona or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Bergen. The spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In April, Barcelona is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 13°C (55°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Barcelona usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Barcelona