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

Should you visit Bergen or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Kotor? 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 friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a charming, historic, and peaceful coastal town. 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 Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Bergen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Bergen different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor 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 Kotor?

Bergen is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Bergen is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Bergen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Bergen or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Bergen or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bergen or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Bergen or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor 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.

Kotor has a world-famous historical area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Kotor Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Kotor?

Bergen is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bergen or Kotor Better for Families?

Bergen is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Bergen or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bergen and Kotor make for a great place to visit.

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.

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Bergen or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Is Bergen or Kotor Better for Students?

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

Bergen is popular with 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Bergen is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bergen can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Bergen or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Bergen or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Bergen or Kotor?

In Bergen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor 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.

Five days in Bergen or Kotor?

Bergen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bergen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Bergen or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When comparing the travel costs between Bergen and Kotor, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Kotor?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Bergen or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Kotor. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bergen is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bergen in July average around 15°C (58°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Kotor. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bergen or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bergen is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 9°C (48°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Kotor. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. Bergen is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. It's quite rainy in Bergen. In January, Bergen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kotor. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bergen or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Bergen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Bergen