A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bergen vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Bergen or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Sorrento? 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.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bergen and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Bergen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Sorrento is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bergen different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bergen is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento 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, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Bergen and Sorrento.

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 Sorrento. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Bergen or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is notable for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Bergen or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a moderate small city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bergen or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Bergen or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bergen to see the historical old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Bergen or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Sorrento?

Both Bergen and Sorrento are excellent 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 Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Bergen or Sorrento Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bergen or Sorrento.

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.

Sorrento is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Bergen or Sorrento Better for Couples?

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

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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 Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sorrento is a very popular small city to visit for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Bergen is a city with good options for students. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Both Bergen and Sorrento 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 Sorrento is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Bergen or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Bergen and Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is very walkable. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Sorrento?

Both Bergen and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Bergen. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

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

One day in Bergen or Sorrento?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sorrento. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Sorrento?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Sorrento. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Sorrento?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Bergen is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bergen in July average around 15°C (58°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bergen or Sorrento in the Autumn?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Sorrento. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento 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 shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. Bergen is much colder than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. It's quite rainy in Bergen. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bergen or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento 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 Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bergen is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bergen in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Sorrento. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Bergen