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

Should you visit Bergen or Venice?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Venice? 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.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. 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 museums, food, and shopping.

Bergen and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Venice is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen attracts visitors for its nightlife and small town charm. Venice is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bergen different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Bergen and Venice offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bergen area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Venice. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Bergen or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Bergen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bergen has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Bergen or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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.

Venice has a world-famous historical area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Venice?

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

Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bergen or Venice.

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.

Venice is a very family-friendly destination. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Bergen or Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Venice is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Venice is very popular for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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.

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

Venice 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.

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Venice?

Both Bergen and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Bergen. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bergen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Bergen or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bergen or Venice?

Bergen 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.

Venice 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 Venice?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bergen and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Venice. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

Bergen is much colder than Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 15°C (58°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bergen usually gets more rain in July than Venice. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bergen is much colder than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bergen in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In October, Bergen usually receives more rain than Venice. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bergen or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Bergen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bergen is generally much colder than Venice. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 2°C (35°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Venice. Most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

Bergen is much colder than Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Bergen usually receives more rain than Venice. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Bergen