A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Lisse for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bern or Lisse?

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

Should I visit Bern or Lisse? 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.

Where Should I go: Bern or Lisse?

Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Lisse 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 Lisse is $155. 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 Lisse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Lisse $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Lisse $170
Compare Hotels in Bern and Lisse

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Lisse? 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 Lisse


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Lisse $24

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Lisse?

Prices for flights to both Lisse 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
    Lisse $50

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

For Lisse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Lisse $32

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 Lisse

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

  • Walking tour Haarlem (Tip Based): $4.36
  • Keukenhof: Parking Ticket or Park Information Booklet: $7.49
  • Haarlem Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.57
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof: $16
  • Haarlem: Canal Cruise Spaarne Mill to Mill: $20
  • Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise: $20
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
  • Keukenhof: Entry Ticket: $21
  • Haarlem Open Canal Tour with a real live guide: $25
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Lisse $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

Also in Lisse, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Lisse?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Lisse, 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 Lisse?

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 Lisse in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Lisse. The summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bern is a little warmer than Lisse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Lisse averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisse. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets more sunshine than Lisse. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisse receives 204 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in July than Lisse. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Lisse 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Bern or Lisse in the Autumn?

Both Lisse and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In October, Bern is generally a little warmer than Lisse. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Lisse fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Lisse during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Lisse. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Lisse 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bern or Lisse in the Winter?

Both Lisse and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lisse can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. Bern is a little warmer than Lisse in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lisse fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets more sunshine than Lisse. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisse receives 46 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Lisse. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Lisse 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Bern or Lisse in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Lisse. Many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bern is a little warmer than Lisse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Lisse averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisse during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Lisse. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lisse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Lisse 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Lisse and Bern

Bern Lisse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)