A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bergen vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bergen or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Cinque Terre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bergen and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Bergen and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Bergen different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bergen or Cinque Terre?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

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

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre has a world-famous historical area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Cinque Terre?

Bergen is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options 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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Bergen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bergen and Cinque Terre are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Bergen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Bergen can get you to most 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.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Bergen or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Bergen Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Cinque Terre?

In either Bergen or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Bergen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Bergen or Cinque Terre?

In Bergen, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

A weekend in Bergen or Cinque Terre?

Bergen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre 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 Bergen or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

A week in Bergen or Cinque Terre?

Bergen is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergen and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Bergen Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Cinque Terre?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Cinque Terre, 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 Bergen or Cinque Terre?

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 Bergen or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Bergen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bergen is much colder than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 15°C (58°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bergen is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bergen in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bergen usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bergen or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. In January, Bergen is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 2°C (35°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bergen usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terre. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Bergen is much colder than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In April, Bergen usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Bergen