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

Should you visit Bern or Cancun?

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

Should I visit Bern or Cancun? 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 charming, beautiful, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cancun

Cancun is a party-hard, tropical, and active city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bern and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Cancun?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cancun is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Bern attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Cancun is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also well known for . 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 Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Bern and Cancun 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 Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Bern and Cancun.

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

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Bern or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

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

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is renowned for its resorts. However, Bern is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cancun is a great choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Bern or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cancun a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bern or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is renowned for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cancun. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a very popular place for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Bern or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

Cancun is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Cancun?

Bern is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Bern or Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cancun is a very family-friendly destination. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bern is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Bern or Cancun Better for Couples?

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

Cancun makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Bern or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Cancun are great 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 Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

Bern is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Bern or Cancun a more walkable city?

Bern and Cancun both are great 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.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Bern?

How long in Bern or Cancun?

Both Bern and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Bern. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Bern. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Bern or Cancun?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Cancun?

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.

Cancun is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Cancun?

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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the wild destination of Cancun. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the party-hard city of Cancun. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Cancun?

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