A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Calgary for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bern or Calgary?

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

Should I visit Bern or Calgary? 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 beautiful, cultural, and historic city. The beauty of Bern is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bern travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Bern and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bern or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bern than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Bern, Bern has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calgary is more touristy than Bern and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also well known for The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Bern different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bern. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.


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

Bern
Calgary

Bern is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bern. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Bern or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Calgary

Both Bern and Calgary are nice when it comes to partying.

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Bern or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Bern is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Calgary?

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bern is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Bern or Calgary More Beautiful?

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Bern is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This beautifully preserved historic city has charm, personality, and a lot to do.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bern or Calgary Better for Families?

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bern is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.


Is Bern or Calgary Better for Couples?

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Bern or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

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

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bern can get you to some places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.


Is Bern or Calgary a more walkable city?

Bern
Calgary

Bern is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known 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.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Bern?

How long in Bern or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bern or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bern than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

Families should spend more time in Bern than Calgary. 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 Calgary. 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 Calgary 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 Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Bern or Calgary?

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 nightlife when visiting the destination of Calgary. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Calgary?

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.

Calgary 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 Calgary?

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 local destination of Calgary. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Calgary?

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 authentic city of Calgary offers museums and nightlife. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $294, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $168. 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 Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $162
    Calgary $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $324
    Calgary $138
Compare Hotels in Bern and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Calgary? 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 Calgary


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 Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • CO2-Offset | Sedan Arrival Transfer from Bern Airport BRN to Bern: $79
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $182
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $217
  • Private Transfer Service from Bern to Bern Airport: $120
  • Transfer from Bern Airport to Lucerne, Basel or Interlaken by Van: $295

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $41
  • From Bus Transfer to Banff: $57
  • Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $59
  • Private Transfers during Calgary Stampede: $68
  • Calgary YYC Airport to Canmore/Banff (Private Transfer): $73
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport: $76
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer from Calgary Airport to Calgary: $76
  • Calgary Downtown Transfers: $81
  • Prvt. Transfer YYC Airport to WinSport Olympic Park: $81
  • From Calgary YYC Airport: Hassle-free Private Transfer to Banff: $99
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $104
  • Departure Private Transfer: Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary 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 $104
    Calgary $51

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $7.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

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

  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $75
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Calgary $15

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Bern: $5.50
  • Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Bern: $5.59
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.28
  • Self-Guided Audio City Tour in Bern: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio City Tour in Bern: $11
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $12
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Zytglogge - Tour through the Clock Tower: $22
  • The best Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Guided Walking Tour in Bern: $36

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $21

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $4.74
  • Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $4.74
  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.75
  • Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.63
  • Calgary's Beltline District: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.71
  • Explore the Stampede City with Walking Tours in Calgary: $6.43
  • Discover Calgary with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
  • Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $14
  • Fun Selfie Experience in Calgary: $14
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Calgary with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $20
  • Calgary Flames Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Calgary $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Calgary Bar Crawl: Cruisin' Calgary: $12
  • Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Calgary, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bern is in Europe and Calgary is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Calgary.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Calgary, 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.