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

Should you visit Bergen or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Rio de Janeiro? 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bergen travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a festive, diverse, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Bergen and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bergen different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rio de Janeiro on the map. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

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 Bergen or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro 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, Rio de Janeiro is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Bergen or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is very popular for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Bergen or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Bergen offers a nice historic old town area. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Bergen or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Rio de Janeiro specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

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 Bergen or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro as well. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Bergen is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bergen or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bergen or Rio de Janeiro.

Bergen is known to be 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Bergen or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bergen and Rio de Janeiro make for a excellent 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.

Rio de Janeiro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Bergen or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Bergen is a city with good options for students. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Both Bergen and Rio de Janeiro offer excellent public transit options.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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 in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Bergen or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Bergen and Rio de Janeiro both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Rio de Janeiro is very walkable. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Bergen Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Rio de Janeiro?

Bergen and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Bergen because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Bergen or Rio de Janeiro?

In Bergen, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Rio de Janeiro is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Bergen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bergen. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the festive big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bergen and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bergen is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Bergen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Bergen or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bergen is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 15°C (58°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bergen or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bergen is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bergen in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bergen or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. In January, Bergen is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 2°C (35°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bergen or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Bergen during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Bergen is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Bergen