A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Bamberg for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Bern or Bamberg?

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

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

Bamberg

Bamberg is a historic, beautiful, and scenic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Bamberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Bamberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bern than Bamberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bern is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Bamberg is known for its historical sights. Bamberg is more touristy than Bern and is known for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also home to The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Bern different from Bamberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bern can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Bamberg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Bern and Bamberg.

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

Bamberg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Is Bern or Bamberg Better for Nightlife?

Bern is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Bamberg is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

Is Bern or Bamberg Better for its Old Town?

Bamberg is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Bamberg is one of the most recognized in the world. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bern. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Bamberg?

Bern is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Bamberg. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Is Bern or Bamberg Better for Families?

Bern is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Bamberg is a family-friendly city. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Bern or Bamberg Better for Couples?

Bamberg is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bamberg makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Bern or Bamberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Bamberg is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

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

Bern is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bern. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Bamberg has some public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

Is Bern or Bamberg a more walkable city?

Bamberg is renowned for its walkability. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Bamberg on foot. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

Bern is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bamberg or Bern?

How long in Bern or Bamberg?

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

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

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

One day in Bern or Bamberg?

In Bern, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Bamberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Bamberg?

In Bern, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer.

Bamberg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bamberg?

Bern is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Bamberg. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Bamberg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The storybook town of Bamberg offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Bamberg?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Bamberg. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Bamberg, 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 Bamberg?

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 Bamberg in the Summer?

Both Bamberg and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bamberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Bern is around the same temperature as Bamberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bamberg fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Bamberg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. Bern usually receives more sunshine than Bamberg during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bamberg. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Bamberg in the Autumn?

Both Bamberg and Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bamberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bern is a little warmer than Bamberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Bamberg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets more sunshine than Bamberg. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 107 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in October than Bamberg. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Bamberg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Bamberg. Most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bamberg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bamberg can be very cold. Bern can be very cold during winter. In January, Bern is generally much warmer than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Bamberg during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Bamberg. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Bamberg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bern as well as Bamberg. The spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bamberg this time of year.

Bern is a little warmer than Bamberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bamberg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 156 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Bamberg. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bamberg and Bern