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

Should you visit Bern or Bratislava?

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

Should I visit Bern or Bratislava? 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.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a under-rated, genuine, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern and Bratislava: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Bern or Bratislava?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bern than Bratislava. While Bratislava is larger than Bern, Bern has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bern is more popular for its shopping, while Bratislava is known for its nightlife and quaint atmosphere. Bern is more touristy than Bratislava and is known 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. Bratislava is popular for its local beer, charming old town, and scenic mountain setting.

How is Bern different from Bratislava?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
Bratislava

Both Bern and Bratislava have high quality 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 Bratislava specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Despite its small size, the city is packed with interesting sights and attractions. A highlight of a visit is exploring the Bratislava Castle. Other notable sights include Michael's Gate, the Slovak National Theatre, Grassalkovich Palace, and Primate's Palace & Hall of Mirrors.


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

Bern
Bratislava

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

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

Bratislava has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Slovakian food is hearty and uses a few staple ingredients like cheese and dumplings. The dishes are warm and filling on a cool day, so it's nice to step into a cozy restaurant and rest after a day of exploring. Popular local dishes include bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi), kapustnica (cabbage soup), and goulash.

Is Bern or Bratislava Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Bratislava

Bratislava 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.

Bratislava offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has grown in popularity as a center for nightlife with many people visiting from nearby Vienna. There are a growing number of stag and hen parties around town, but you'll also find sophisticated wine bars and a refined social scene. Many of the city's clubs are found in old town around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streets as well as Hviezdoslavovo and SNP squares.

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 Bratislava Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Bratislava

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Bern and Bratislava.

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 Bratislava. The old town is filled with diverse architecture as well as traditional and upscale restaurants.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Bratislava?

Bern
Bratislava

Bern is notable for shopping. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Bratislava. Shopping has come to life here, with three large shopping malls and many shopping streets where you'll find local boutiques. The city has both global brands as well as more traditional shops where you can buy local items. Popular things to purchase while you're in town include traditional clothing, wooden crosses, corn husk dolls, and local alcohol such as slivovica.

Is Bern or Bratislava Better for Families?

Bern
Bratislava

Bern is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Bratislava is a family-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the lack of tourist crowds when compared to other European cities, even during school holidays. You can explore the city and enjoy a laid back vibe without the chaos of navigating through tour groups and large crowds. There's also a nice old town as well as gardens, playgrounds, palaces, and the Bratislava Castle.

Is Bern or Bratislava Better for Couples?

Bern
Bratislava

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

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.

Bratislava makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that enjoy stepping away from tourist crowds will appreciate this relaxed city. There is the beautiful Janko Kráľ Park as well as the Bratislava Castle that you can explore. It's enjoyable to simply walk around the old town and soak up the atmosphere as well. There are also many great restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy a night out.


Is Bern or Bratislava Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Bratislava

Both Bern and Bratislava are high quality 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 Bratislava. The city offers an affordable and unique alternative to some of the larger and well known cities that are nearby. There are a couple of hostels and some affordable hotels that will help you keep your expenses down.

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

Bern
Bratislava

Both Bern and Bratislava offer high quality public transit options.

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

The public transit in Bratislava can get you around easily. There are trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

Is Bern or Bratislava a more walkable city?

Bern
Bratislava

Bratislava 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 Bratislava on foot. One of the best ways to experience the city is to walk around. The old town is also a large pedestrian zone.

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 Bratislava Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bratislava or Bern?

How long in Bern or Bratislava?

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

Families should spend more time in Bern than Bratislava. 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 Bratislava. 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 Bratislava 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 Bratislava.


  • How many days in Bern or Bratislava? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Bratislava 1-3

One day in Bern or Bratislava?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Bern, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, one day is sufficent for most.

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bern, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bratislava 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 Bratislava?

Bern, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Bratislava. 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.


A week in Bern or Bratislava?

Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The laid-back city of Bratislava 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.


Which place is cheaper, Bratislava or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $254, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is $133. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bern and Bratislava in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $164
    Bratislava $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $328
    Bratislava $106
Compare Hotels in Bern and Bratislava

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Bratislava? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bern


Hotels in Bratislava


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bern Hotel Prices and Bratislava Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $34
    Bratislava $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $171
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $215
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $229

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $24
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Bratislava (hotel OR airport pick-up): $29
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $88
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $99
  • Private Transfer Vienna Airport Hotel in Bratislava or vice versa: $101
  • Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna, 2h Stop in Schlosshof: $126
  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $132
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest, English-speaking driver: $138
  • Bratislava - Budapest transfer: $170
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $204
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $265

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Bratislava?

Prices for flights to both Bratislava 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 $61
    Bratislava $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava

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

  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $132
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Bratislava $33

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.41
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.06
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.55
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.69
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $16
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle: $4.40
  • Bratislava Old Town In App Audio Tour (ENG): $5.43
  • City & Castle Tour - Introduction to Bratislava: $5.50
  • Historic City Centre Self-guided Tour: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Bratislava Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.06
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.06
  • Bratislava Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Bratislava $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.58
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $8.70
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Craft Beer Pub Tour Bratislava by Team Beer Drink: $73
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $105
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $145
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $154
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $176
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $203


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Bratislava?

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

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 Bratislava in the Summer?

Both Bratislava and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

Bern is around the same temperature as Bratislava in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Bratislava fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bratislava. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bratislava during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Bern or Bratislava in the Autumn?

Both Bratislava and Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bratislava for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bern is around the same temperature as Bratislava. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Bratislava averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in October than Bratislava. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Bern or Bratislava in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Bratislava. Many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bratislava in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bratislava can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. In January, Bern is generally a little warmer than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bratislava during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Bern or Bratislava in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bern as well as Bratislava. Many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Bratislava for the natural beauty during these months.

Bern is cooler than Bratislava in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bratislava fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. In the spring, Bern often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Bratislava. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Bern

Bern Bratislava
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)