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

Should you visit Bern or Bremen?

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

Should I visit Bern or Bremen? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bremen

Bremen is a historic, beautiful, and colorful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern and Bremen: 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


Is there more to do in Bern or Bremen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bremen than Bern. Bremen is bigger than Bern, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Bremen is well known for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. Also, Bremen is famous for The Historic Marktplatz.

The Historic Marktplatz
The Historic Marktplatz

How is Bern different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
Bremen

Both Bern and Bremen have great 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 Bremen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.


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

Bern
Bremen

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Bern and Bremen.

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

Bremen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Bern or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Bremen

Bremen 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.

Bremen offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

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 Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

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 Bremen?

Bern
Bremen

Both Bern and Bremen are great shopping destinations.

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.

Bremen is well-known for its shopping. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Is Bern or Bremen Better for Families?

Bern
Bremen

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Bremen.

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, Bremen is very family-friendly. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

Is Bern or Bremen Better for Couples?

Bern
Bremen

Bern is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.


Is Bern or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Bremen

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

Bern is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

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

Bern
Bremen

Both Bern and Bremen offer great 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 Bremen can get you around easily. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

Is Bern or Bremen a more walkable city?

Bern
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Bern?

How long in Bern or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Bern or Bremen. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bremen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-4 days is enough time in Bremen.

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

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


  • How many days in Bern or Bremen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Bremen 2-4

One day in Bern or Bremen?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bremen. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bremen?

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.

Bremen 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 Bremen?

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 museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bremen. 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 Bremen?

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 colorful city of Bremen 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 Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bremen or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, while the average daily cost in Bremen is $157. 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 Bremen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Bremen $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Bremen $162
Compare Hotels in Bern and Bremen

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Bremen? 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 Bremen


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 Bremen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Bremen $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Bremen?

Prices for flights to both Bremen 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 $60
    Bremen $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    $4.18
  • Fish and Chips
    $3.43
  • Pizza and Cola
    $7.50
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.57
  • Vietnamese Soup
    $5.36
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    $8.57
  • Pastry and Coffee
    $4.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Bremen $37

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: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • 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 Bremen

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

  • Exploration Game & City Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.62
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Centre Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Public Tour of the Town Hall in English: $9.62
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour in Bremen : $11
  • Walking Tour of Historic Schnoor District: $13
  • Night Watchman Guided Tour for Children (in German): $13
  • Guided Tour of City Center: $13
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Detective Trail 2.5-hour puzzle tour for families: $16
  • Experience Bremen by bike: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Bremen $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Bremen?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

Both Bremen and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bremen for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally a little warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. Bern usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Bremen. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Bremen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Bern or Bremen in the Autumn?

Both Bremen and Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bremen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is a little warmer than Bremen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Bremen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in October than Bremen. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Bremen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Bern or Bremen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Bremen. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bremen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bremen can be very cold during winter. Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bern is much warmer than Bremen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bremen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bremen. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Bremen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Bern or Bremen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bern as well as Bremen. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bremen because of the natural beauty.

In April, Bern is generally a little warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Bremen. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Bremen 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Bremen and Bern

Bern Bremen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)