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

Should you visit Bern or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Bern or Limerick? 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 cultural, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Bern or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bern than Limerick. Bern is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. 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. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Bern different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
Limerick

Bern is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


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

Bern
Limerick

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

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

Limerick has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Bern or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Limerick

Both Bern and Limerick are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Bern or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Limerick

Bern is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Limerick?

Bern
Limerick

Bern is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Bern or Limerick Better for Families?

Bern
Limerick

Bern is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bern. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Bern or Limerick Better for Couples?

Bern
Limerick

Bern is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bern is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.


Is Bern or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Limerick

Bern is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Bern or Limerick Better for Students?

Bern
Limerick

Limerick is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern
Limerick

Bern is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.


Is Bern or Limerick a more walkable city?

Bern
Limerick

Bern is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Bern?

How long in Bern or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bern or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bern than Limerick because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 1-2 days is enough time in Limerick.

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

One day in Bern or Limerick?

The beautiful city of Bern offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Limerick. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Limerick?

Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Limerick is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Limerick?

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Limerick. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Limerick?

Bern is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The outdoorsy city of Limerick offers nightlife and food. 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 Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick 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 Limerick is $115. 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 Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Limerick $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Limerick $104
Compare Hotels in Bern and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Limerick? 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 Limerick


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 Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Limerick $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

Also for Limerick, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick 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
    Limerick $37

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
    Limerick $19

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $627
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $592
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $161
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $459
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $534
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $334
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36

Tours and Activities in Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Limerick $13


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Limerick?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bern or Limerick in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Limerick. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally a little warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Limerick. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Bern or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is a little warmer than Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Limerick. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Bern or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Bern or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Limerick. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

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

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Limerick and Bern

Bern Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)