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

Should you visit Bern or Berlin?

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

Should I visit Bern or Berlin? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a cultural, artsy, and creative city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Berlin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berlin than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Berlin is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bern attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Berlin that are not to be missed. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Berlin is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Berlin makes for a great culinary experience. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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 Berlin Better for Nightlife?

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

Berlin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin Better for Music?

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

Berlin is a world class music destination. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Bern or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a great city for its old town. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Berlin?

Berlin is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Berlin is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Bern or Berlin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Berlin.

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, Berlin is very family-friendly. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Bern or Berlin Better for Couples?

Bern is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Bern or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berlin is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Many backpackers 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.

Is Bern or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is renowned for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Berlin is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Berlin has a great public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

The public transit in Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Is Bern or Berlin a more walkable city?

Bern is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Bern?

How long in Bern or Berlin?

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

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

One day in Bern or Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Berlin?

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.

Berlin 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 Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a creative big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bern or Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a creative 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

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 Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Berlin. Many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bern is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Berlin averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Bern is generally a little warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives more rain than Berlin. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bern or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Berlin can be very cold. Bern can be very cold during winter. Bern is much warmer than Berlin in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in January than Berlin. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Berlin. The spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

In the spring, Bern is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Berlin averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Berlin. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Bern