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

Should you visit Bern or Dingle?

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

Should I visit Bern or Dingle? 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, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dingle

Dingle is a scenic, rustic, and picturesque peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Bern and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bern or Dingle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bern than Dingle, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bern is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dingle is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Dingle is more touristy than Bern and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Also, Bern is famous for The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Bern different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
Dingle

Bern is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.


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

Bern
Dingle

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

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

Dingle has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Bern or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Dingle

Bern is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

Bern has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Bern or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Bern
Dingle

Dingle is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Dingle is considered a top beach destination. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Bern is not a beach destination.


Is Bern or Dingle Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Dingle

Bern is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Bern or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Bern
Dingle

Dingle is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

Dingle is a popular spot for hiking. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Dingle?

Bern
Dingle

Bern is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bern. 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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Bern or Dingle Better for Families?

Bern
Dingle

Bern is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bern is known to be 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.

Dingle offers lots of family activities. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Bern or Dingle Better for Couples?

Bern
Dingle

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Dingle make for a high quality place to visit.

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.

Dingle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Bern or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Dingle

Both Bern and Dingle 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 Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.


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

Bern
Dingle

Bern is a great destination for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Bern offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Bern or Dingle a more walkable city?

Bern
Dingle

Bern is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Bern is a very walkable destination. 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.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable city. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Bern?

How long in Bern or Dingle?

In either Bern or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Bern because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

Families should spend more time in Bern than Dingle. 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 Dingle. 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 Dingle 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 Dingle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Dingle 2-5

One day in Bern or Dingle?

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 when visiting the destination of Dingle. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Dingle?

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.

Dingle is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Dingle?

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 food when visiting the natural destination of Dingle. This peninsula offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Dingle?

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.

The natural peninsula of Dingle offers food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dingle 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 Dingle is $128. 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 Dingle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Dingle $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Dingle $146
Compare Hotels in Bern and Dingle

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Dingle? 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 Dingle


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 Dingle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Dingle $18

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 Dingle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dingle:

  • Dingle To Kerry Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Dingle?

Prices for flights to both Dingle 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
    Dingle $43

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Dingle $10

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 Dingle

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

  • Boat Tour of Dingle Peninsula: $14
  • Dingle Peninsula Virtual Tour: $16
  • Dingle Bay Cliff Tour: $21
  • 2-hour Guided Mini Eco Tour at Dingle, Ireland: $49
  • Morning Tasting and Sightseeing Guided Tour in Dingle Ireland: $55
  • Self-Guided eBike Tour: $59
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive Group Tour: $76
  • Blasket Eco Tour.: $82
  • Dingle Dolphin Blasket Adventures: $84
  • Dingle Boat Tours Wildlife RIB Adventure: $87
  • Blasket Island Sea Life Rib Tour,: $93
  • Wildlife Tour: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Dingle $17


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Dingle?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Dingle, 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Dingle. The summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

In July, Bern is generally a little warmer than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Dingle. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Dingle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Bern or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Dingle. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is around the same temperature as Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Bern usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Dingle 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Bern or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dingle in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In January, Bern usually receives less rain than Dingle. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Dingle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Bern or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Bern is generally a little warmer than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Dingle 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Dingle and Bern

Bern Dingle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)