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

Should you visit Bergen or Sao Paulo?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Sao Paulo? 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bergen travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a cultural, dynamic, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Bergen and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Bergen or Sao Paulo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sao Paulo than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bergen attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Bergen different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bergen
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo on the map. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

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 Sao Paulo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo is an experience not to be missed. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

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 Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

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

Sao Paulo is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

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 Sao Paulo Better for its Old Town?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

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

Bergen has an old town worth visiting. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Sao Paulo?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

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

Sao Paulo is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

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 Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

Bergen is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Bergen or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

Bergen is a great city for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bergen is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.


Is Bergen or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

Both Bergen and Sao Paulo 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.

Sao Paulo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Bergen or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

Bergen and Sao Paulo are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Bergen is a good city to visit for 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.

Plenty of students visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

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

Bergen
Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is very popular for its public transit. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Sao Paulo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

Public transit in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Bergen or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Bergen
Sao Paulo

Bergen and Sao Paulo both are very good 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.

Sao Paulo is very walkable. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bergen and Sao Paulo. In our opinion, Sao Paulo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sao Paulo than Bergen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Sao Paulo. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.


  • How many days in Bergen or Sao Paulo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bergen 1-3 
    Sao Paulo 2-3

One day in Bergen or Sao Paulo?

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.

Sao Paulo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bergen or Sao Paulo?

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.

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Sao Paulo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Bergen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bergen is $144, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $60. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bergen and Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bergen $74
    Sao Paulo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bergen $148
    Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Bergen and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Bergen or Sao Paulo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bergen


Hotels in Sao Paulo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bergen Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bergen $11
    Sao Paulo $5.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Helicopter transfer Bergen - Rosendal: $4,438
  • Powerboat transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
  • Helicopter transfer Bergen - Bekkjarvik: $3,943
  • From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
  • From Private Transfer to Voss: $403
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $257
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $200
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $196
  • Private Transfer - Hotels & Cruise Ports - Airport 1-14 pax: $175
  • Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $156

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $16
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Bergen or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Bergen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bergen $58
    Sao Paulo $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
  • Bergen Food Tour: $174
  • Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bergen $18
    Sao Paulo $3.89

Tours and Activities in Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • 1 hour Tour for Herdla Walking: $103
  • 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
  • 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $145
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $167
  • Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
  • Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $225
  • Bergen Floibanen Funicular Ticket: $31
  • Bergen Magical Nature Tour | ViFlowExperience: $243
  • Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Local Guide: $86
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour: $325
  • Bergen Private Walking Tour of Historic Sites: $256
  • Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bergen $7.56
    Sao Paulo $3.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bergen or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Sao Paulo. Many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bergen is much colder than Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 15°C (58°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bergen usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Bergen 15°C (58°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Bergen or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Bergen is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bergen in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In October, Bergen usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Bergen 9°C (48°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Bergen or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Bergen during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. In January, Bergen is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 2°C (35°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Bergen 2°C (35°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Bergen or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Sao Paulo. The spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

Bergen is much colder than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bergen usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin October. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Bergen 6°C (43°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Bergen

Bergen Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)