A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bern or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Bern or Kotor? 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.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bern and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Bern and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bern is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Bern different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Bern is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Bern or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Bern is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Bern or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bern or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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.

Is Bern or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Kotor?

Bern is well known for shopping. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bern or Kotor Better for Families?

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

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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Bern or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Kotor make for a great 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.

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Bern or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Kotor 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

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

Visitors to Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Bern or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is renowned for its walkability. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Bern?

How long in Bern or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Bern or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Bern or Kotor?

In Bern, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Kotor?

Bern is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Kotor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Kotor?

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

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Kotor. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bern is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Kotor. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bern is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Bern usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bern is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Bern usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Bern is cooler than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bern usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Bern