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

Should you visit Belfast or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Bergen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife 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.

Belfast and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Bergen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Belfast than Bergen. Belfast is bigger than Bergen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Belfast is better known for its big city activities, while Bergen is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Belfast different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Bergen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Bergen are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bergen to see the historical old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Bergen?

Bergen is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bergen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Bergen Better for Students?

Belfast and Bergen are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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 Belfast 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. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Bergen. In our opinion, Bergen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bergen than Belfast. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Belfast. 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 Bergen than Belfast. 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 Bergen than Belfast 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 Bergen.

One day in Belfast or Bergen?

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

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 Belfast or Bergen?

Belfast 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 Belfast or Bergen?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the affordable destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 Belfast and Bergen, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Bergen?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Belfast is generally around the same temperature as Bergen. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Bergen. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Belfast is around the same temperature as Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Bergen. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In the winter, Belfast is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Belfast usually receives less rain than Bergen. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Bergen. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In April, Belfast is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Belfast gets 50 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 Belfast