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

Should you visit Bern or Killarney?

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

Should I visit Bern or Killarney? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a natural, peaceful, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Bern and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bern. Although Bern and Killarney are both popular with visitors, Bern has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bern is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Killarney is known for its hiking and small town charm. Killarney is more touristy than Bern and is known for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also home to The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Bern different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Killarney 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.

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Bern and Killarney.

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

Killarney has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Is Bern or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Bern is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Is Bern or Killarney Better for its Old Town?

Bern is well known for its historic old town. However, Killarney 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.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Is Bern or Killarney Better for Hiking?

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

Killarney is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Killarney?

Bern is well known for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bern or Killarney Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Killarney.

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, Killarney is very family-friendly. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

Is Bern or Killarney Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Killarney make for a excellent 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.

Killarney makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Is Bern or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Killarney. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

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

Bern is well known for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bern. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.

Is Bern or Killarney a more walkable city?

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

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.

Killarney is not a very walkable city. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

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

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Bern?

How long in Bern or Killarney?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bern and Killarney. In our opinion, Bern has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bern than Killarney. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-3 days is enough time in Killarney.

Families should spend more time in Bern than Killarney. 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 Killarney. 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 Killarney 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.

One day in Bern or Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Killarney. 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 Killarney?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Killarney is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Bern. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Killarney. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Killarney?

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The charming town of Killarney offers food and museums. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Killarney?

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

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 Killarney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Killarney. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bern is a little warmer than Killarney in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

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

Should I visit Bern or Killarney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Killarney. Most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bern is around the same temperature as Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

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

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

Should I visit Bern or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Bern is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

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

Should I visit Bern or Killarney in the Spring?

Both Killarney and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Killarney for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Bern is a little warmer than Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Killarney and Bern