A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Amsterdam for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

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Should you visit Bern or Amsterdam?

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

Should I visit Bern or Amsterdam? 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.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a scenic, historic, and canal-lined city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

How is Bern different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Bern or Amsterdam better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Both Bern and Amsterdam have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and Bern Cathedral.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace.


Is Bern or Amsterdam better for Food?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine in both Bern and Amsterdam.

Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Amsterdam. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Bern or Amsterdam better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will usually choose Amsterdam over Bern.

Amsterdam is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Bern has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bern or Amsterdam better for Shopping?

Both Bern and Amsterdam are good shopping destinations.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Bern or Amsterdam better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Bern than Amsterdam.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.


Is Bern or Amsterdam better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Amsterdam make for a good place to visit.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Is Bern or Amsterdam better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Amsterdam are popular destinations for backpackers.

Bern is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Is Bern or Amsterdam better for Public Transit?

Both Bern and Amsterdam offer public transit options.

Visitors to Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Is Bern or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Bern and Amsterdam both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.


Bern and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Bern
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
Amsterdam
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less family-friendly


Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Bern?

How long in Bern or Amsterdam?

Both Bern and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Bern.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bern is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Amsterdam is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Bern or Amsterdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Amsterdam 2-7

One day in Bern or Amsterdam?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bern or Amsterdam?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

Five days in Bern or Amsterdam?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Bern. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Amsterdam is a laid-back big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.

A week in Bern or Amsterdam?

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Amsterdam is a historic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $185, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $145. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bern and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $119
    Amsterdam $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $238
    Amsterdam $168

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $25
    Amsterdam $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Premium Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Interlaken: $250
  • Geneva: Premium 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Bern: $277
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Basel City - One Way: $586
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Bern City - One Way: $105
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Zurich City - One Way: $661
  • Private Transfer from Bern City Center to Zurich City Center: $318
  • Private transfer from Bern City to Zurich Airport: $416

Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.37
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.73
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam City Centre: $9.55
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: $9.55
  • Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from City Centre to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $9.55
  • Private Departure Transfer from Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $32
  • Private Airport Transfer from Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): $32
  • Private Transfer from PTA Cruise Terminal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): $32
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City to Airport: $34
  • Premium Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Airport: $35
  • Private Amsterdam Airport departure Transfer: $38
  • Private Departure Transfer from Amsterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam City Center to Zaanse Schans: $40
  • Amsterdam local transfers: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Bern 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
    Bern $44
    Amsterdam $37

Typical Food prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Live online cooking class from Classic European 2-course meal: $23
  • Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise: $40
  • Three course lunch/dinner voucher: $42
  • Walking Food Tour: $43
  • 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $48
  • Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Amsterdam's Favourite Private Food Tour with a Local: $50
  • Private Pizza Canal Cruise Amsterdam: $62
  • Dinner with an Amsterdam artist on the river: $62
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock CafĂ©: $63
  • Amsterdam Small Group Food Tour: $69
  • Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam: $73
  • Delicious Dutch Dinner in an Amsterdam Canalhouse: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $25
    Amsterdam $32

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • Tour with iPod Audio Guide: $20
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $45
  • 1-Hour Must-See Express Tour: $72
  • Tirano to St. Moritz: Bernina Red Train Return Day-Ticket: $79
  • Art and Culture Tour with a Local Guide: $83
  • Instagram Highlights Tour: $83
  • Bern Capital City Small Group Tour: $90
  • Best Introduction Tour of Bern with a Local: $91
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $162
  • Schilthorn Piz Gloria (James Bond Location) Small Group Tour from Bern: $179
  • GAILY TOUR in BERN - Gay & Lesbian Tour: $187
  • Bern Capital City Private Tour: $194

Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.31
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A tasty stroll through Pijp: An audio tour of some of Amsterdam great food spots: $5.00
  • An Amsterdam introduction: Explore the origins of Amsterdam on an audio tour: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.41
  • Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots Cycling Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.41
  • Vondelpark and Old West Neighbourhood Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Amsterdam Private Tour: Red Light District Exploration Game: $5.65
  • Self-Guided Tour with Over 100 Sights: $5.67
  • The Red Light District self-guided Virtual Experience: The Highlights: $7.45
  • Absolutely Tip-Based Walking Tour With Super Local Guide (2,5 Hours): $8.09
  • Red Light District 1-hour Smartphone Audio Tour: $9.06
  • Amsterdam Red Light District: A Walking Audio Tour on your Phone (1hour): $9.94
  • Silent Disco Club Experience: $9.95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $20
    Amsterdam $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
  • Amsterdam Bar Crawl: $27
  • Amsterdam Shared Bar Crawl: $31
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and pub tour: $61
  • Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings: $67
  • 4 hour Amsterdam Brewery Tour: $81
  • High Class Culinary Lunch in Amsterdam - Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $102
  • Drew's 3-Hour Amsterdam Brewery and Bar Tour to Top Rated Bars: $106
  • Discover 3 gastronomic restaurants in Amsterdam - self-guided food & wine tour: $129
  • Experience 4 Culinary Restaurants in Amsterdam Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour: $152
  • Amsterdam Bachelor Party Bar Crawl: $488

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Amsterdam, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Amsterdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Amsterdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amsterdam 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Amsterdam.

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Bern vs. Amsterdam Travel Comparison

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