A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Miami for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bern or Miami?

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

Should I visit Bern or Miami? 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.

Miami

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Bern and Miami: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Bern or Miami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Miami than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Bern is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Bern and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Miami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
Miami

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami 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.

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bern
Miami

Miami 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, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

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 Miami Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Miami

Miami is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bern or Miami Better for Music?

Bern
Miami

Miami is renowned for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Bern is not a live music destination.


Is Bern or Miami Better for Resorts?

Bern
Miami

Miami is renowned for its resorts. However, Bern is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Miami is a great choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Bern or Miami Better for Beaches?

Bern
Miami

Miami is renowned for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Miami Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Miami

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

Miami does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Miami?

Bern
Miami

Miami is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Bern or Miami Better for Families?

Bern
Miami

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Miami.

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, Miami is very family-friendly. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Bern or Miami Better for Couples?

Bern
Miami

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Miami 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.

Miami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.


Is Bern or Miami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Miami

Bern is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Bern or Miami Better for Students?

Bern
Miami

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

Miami is a good beach city to visit for students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern
Miami

Bern is well known for its public transit. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.


Is Bern or Miami a more walkable city?

Bern
Miami

Bern and Miami both are great when exploring on foot.

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.

Miami is a very walkable city. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Miami or Bern?

How long in Bern or Miami?

Both Bern and Miami have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Miami than in Bern. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 7 days is enough time in Miami.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Miami 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 Miami? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Miami 7

One day in Bern or Miami?

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.

Miami is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Miami?

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.

Miami is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Miami?

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.

Miami is a exciting big city where you can fill many days. This beach city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Miami?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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.

Miami is a glamorous beach city where you can fill many days. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.


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 United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Miami or Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $252, while the average daily cost in Miami is $206. 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 Miami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $163
    Miami $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $326
    Miami $264
Compare Hotels in Bern and Miami

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Miami? 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 Miami


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 Miami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $34
    Miami $38

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: $192
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $214
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $228

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • Train Transfer to South Florida Cities: $20
  • Miami International Airport: One-Way Transfer to Miami: $24
  • Transfers Airports Miami, Ft. Lauderdale Port Mía Everglades: $25
  • 50 min Everglades Airboat, Photo & Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Miami Airport to Hotel or Port of Miami: $35
  • Miami Private Transfers: Airport, Cruise, Point-to-Point.: $36
  • Miami or Ft Lauderdale: Train Transfer to Orlando Airport: $39
  • From Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer: $40
  • Miami Int'l Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Miami Port: $48
  • Private One Way Transfer: Miami Airport (MIA) to/from Miami: $55
  • From Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer: $57
  • Key West Transfer with Hotel Pickup and Upgrades: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Miami?

Prices for flights to both Miami 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
    Miami $41

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.: $66

Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
  • Wynwood Street Art, Culture, Donuts & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
  • Little Havana Walking Food Tour: $75
  • South Beach Miami Food & Fun Art Deco Food Tour : $79
  • Wynwood Walls Art District Food Tour: $80
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
  • Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
  • Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
  • Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
  • Ukrainian cooking class in Miami: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Miami $31

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: $3.23
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.39
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.00
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.48
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.61
  • 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
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Miami

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

  • Haunted a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour : $5.94
  • Little Havana Smartphone guided Audio App Solo Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Miami Beach: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide: $7.30
  • Haunted Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.30
  • Private Sightseeing Audio Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $7.99
  • Sights of Downtown a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Luggage Storage and Cruise Lounge Area: $8.00
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Miami: $8.72
  • Miami Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Miami Marlins Baseball Game Ticket at loandepot Park: $9.25
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Little Havana: $10
  • Audio Tour of Downtown, South Beach, and Wynwood: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Miami $22

Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Miami Bar Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
  • Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
  • Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Miami, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Miami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bern is in Europe and Miami is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Miami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Miami 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 Miami.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Miami?

Miami has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Miami, 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 Miami?

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 Miami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Miami. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bern is cooler than Miami in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Miami fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Miami during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Miami receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Miami. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Miami 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Bern or Miami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Miami. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Miami in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Bern is much colder than Miami. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Miami averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Miami. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Miami. Bern usually gets less rain in October than Miami. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Miami receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Miami 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Bern or Miami in the Winter?

Both Miami 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 Miami for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bern is generally much colder than Miami. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Miami fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Miami. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Miami during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Miami receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Miami. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Miami receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Miami 67°F (20°C)

Should I visit Bern or Miami in the Spring?

Both Miami 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 Miami because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Bern is much colder than Miami in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Miami fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bern often gets less sunshine than Miami. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Miami receives 300 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in April than Miami. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Miami receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Miami 75°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Miami and Bern

Bern Miami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)