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

Should you visit Bern or Chicago?

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

Should I visit Bern or Chicago? 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. With stunning beauty, Bern attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bern travel costs.

Chicago

Chicago is a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Chicago is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife. See Chicago travel costs.

Bern and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Chicago?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chicago than Bern. Chicago is bigger than Bern, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chicago is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Bern is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Chicago is more touristy than Bern and is known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chicago 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 Chicago that are not to be missed. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

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 Bern or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is renowned for theatre. However, Bern is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Chicago draw crowds from around the world. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Bern is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Chicago is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago Better for Nightlife?

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

Chicago is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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 Chicago Better for Music?

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

Chicago is a world class music destination. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Bern or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Chicago is a good option for a beach vacation. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago 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.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Chicago?

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

Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago More Beautiful?

Bern is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bern attracts visitors from all around. This beautifully preserved historic city has charm, personality, and a lot to do.

Chicago is a gorgeous place to visit. The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Is Bern or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago 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, Chicago is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Chicago Better for Couples?

Bern is a great destination for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Bern or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Bern or Chicago Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Chicago. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Chicago 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.

Chicago has a great public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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

Is Bern or Chicago a more walkable city?

Bern and Chicago 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.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Bern?

How long in Bern or Chicago?

In either Bern or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Bern because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

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

One day in Bern or Chicago?

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.

Chicago 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 Chicago?

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.

Chicago is a fun place to experience. 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 Chicago?

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.

Chicago is a cosmopolitan 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 Chicago?

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 cosmopolitan city of Chicago offers food and shopping. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Bern and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Bern is in Europe and Chicago is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Chicago. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally cooler than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Chicago. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Chicago. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Chicago in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is around the same temperature as Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in October than Chicago. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Chicago can be very cold during winter. Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bern is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Chicago. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bern is generally around the same temperature as Chicago. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bern often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bern usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Bern