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

Should you visit Bern or Bari?

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

Should I visit Bern or Bari? 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 cultural, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than Bern. Bari is bigger than Bern, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bari is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Bern is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Bern is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Bern different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Bern and Bari have superb 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 Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari 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, Bari is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Bari Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Bern and Bari.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Bari?

Bern is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bern. 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Bern or Bari Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Bari.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Bern or Bari Better for Couples?

Bern is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Bern is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Bern or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Bari are superb 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 Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Bern or Bari Better for Students?

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

Bari is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bern. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Bern or Bari a more walkable city?

Bern and Bari both are superb 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.

Bari is a very walkable city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Bern?

How long in Bern or Bari?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bern than Bari. 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 Bari 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 Bari.

One day in Bern or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bern. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bari. 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 Bari?

Bern 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.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Bern. This city 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Bari. This port city 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 Bari?

The historic city of Bern offers nightlife 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.

The local port city of Bari offers nightlife 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bern or Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Bari. Most visitors come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Bari. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

Bern is cooler than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Bari. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bern or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Bari. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Bari. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Bari. Many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Bari. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Bern