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

Should you visit Bergen or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Sarajevo? 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 laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bergen and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Bergen different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo 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, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Bergen and Sarajevo.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sarajevo. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Bergen or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo has a world-famous historical area. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

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 Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Sarajevo?

Both Bergen and Sarajevo are superb shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Bergen or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Bergen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bergen is very family-friendly. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Bergen or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Bergen is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Bergen or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sarajevo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Students?

Bergen is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Both Bergen and Sarajevo offer superb 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 Sarajevo is fairly effecient and thorough. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Bergen or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Bergen is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Sarajevo?

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

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

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

One day in Bergen or Sarajevo?

The city of Bergen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bergen or Sarajevo?

Bergen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

Bergen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Bergen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Bergen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bergen is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 15°C (58°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Sarajevo. The autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Bergen is much colder than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bergen or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Sarajevo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. In the winter, Bergen is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bergen in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bergen usually gets more rain in January than Sarajevo. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Bergen is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 6°C (43°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. It's quite rainy in Bergen. In April, Bergen usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Bergen