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

Should you visit Bern or Austin?

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

Should I visit Bern or Austin? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Bern is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Bern different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Bern. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bern or Austin?

Both Bern and Austin have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Is the Food Better in Bern or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bern or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Bern or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bern to see the historical old town. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Bern or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Austin?

Bern is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Bern or Austin Better for Families?

Bern is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Bern or Austin Better for Couples?

Bern is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Bern or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Austin are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Bern or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Bern is not popular with students.

Is Bern or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bern is a great destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bern is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Bern or Austin a more walkable city?

Bern is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Bern?

How long in Bern or Austin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Bern 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 Austin.

One day in Bern or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bern or Austin?

Bern 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.

Austin 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 do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bern. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The entrepreneurial city of Austin offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Austin, 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 Bern or Austin?

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 Bern or Austin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Austin. Many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bern is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Austin. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Austin. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bern is much colder than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Austin. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bern can be very cold during winter. In January, Bern is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Austin. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Bern is much colder than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bern often gets less sunshine than Austin. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Bern