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

Should you visit Bern or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Bern or Nashville? 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 charming, beautiful, and cultural city. Bern is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bern travel costs.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Nashville travel costs.

Bern and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bern or Nashville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nashville than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nashville is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Bern is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also home to The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Bern different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.


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

Bern
Nashville

Nashville is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nashville makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

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 Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Nashville

Nashville is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nashville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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 Nashville Better for Music?

Bern
Nashville

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

Nashville is a world class music destination. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Bern is not a live music destination.


Is Bern or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Bern
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its resorts. However, Bern is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Bern or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Nashville 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.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Nashville?

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.


Is Bern or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Bern
Nashville

Nashville is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Bern does not offer Christmas activities.

Nashville is a fun destination over Christmas. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Bern does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bern or Nashville More Beautiful?

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bern is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This beautifully preserved historic city has charm, personality, and a lot to do.

Nashville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bern or Nashville Better for Families?

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bern is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.


Is Bern or Nashville Better for Couples?

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Bern or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Bern is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.


Is Bern or Nashville a more walkable city?

Bern
Nashville

Bern is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options 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.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Bern?

How long in Bern or Nashville?

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

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

One day in Bern or Nashville?

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 live music and food when visiting the destination of Nashville. 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 Nashville?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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.

Nashville is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Nashville?

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 nightlife around the southern destination of Nashville. 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 Nashville?

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 southern city of Nashville offers nightlife and live music. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Nashville or Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $306, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $202. 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 Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $168
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $336
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Bern and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Nashville? 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 Nashville


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 Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $35
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer from Bern Airport to Hotel: $193
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $231
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $194

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

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

  • Las Vegas: One Way Private Transfer to/from McCarran Airport: $50
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $60
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Luxury Airport Transfer in Nashville: $65
  • Nashville Airport (BNA) to Nashville accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Nashville accomodation to Nashville Airport (BNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
  • Best limousine service in Nashville (Airport transfer ): $75
  • One way Private Transfer from International Airport to Nashville : $88
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90
  • Nashville Airport Transfer with Limo Service: $99
  • Private transfer to Nashville Airport and Hotel: $128
  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville 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 $108
    Nashville $72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

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

  • Traditional Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef in Nashville: $55
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Nashville Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • East Nashville Sidewalk Food Tour : $99
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show - Franklin, TN: $100
  • General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise: $138
  • Downtown Food Tour: $145
  • Factory at Franklin: Indoor Food Tour: $145
  • General Jackson Showboat Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Nashville: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $35
    Nashville $27

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: $654
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $618
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $58
  • Bern Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour with a Local: $131
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $168
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $61
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $299
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $535
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $335
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.44
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Nashville

For Nashville, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Music City Self-Guided Walking Tour w/ Audio App: $6.75
  • Music History Guided Walking Tour: $10
  • Sound Heist in Nashville Quest Experience: $11
  • Willie Nelson and Friends Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Private Tour: $14
  • Nashville Ghosts: Hauntings of Music City Tour By Junket: $20
  • Nashville Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • The Ghosts of Nashville Night-Time Walking Tour: $25
  • Guided Ghost-Themed Walking Tour: $25
  • GEODIS Park Guided Behind-The-Scenes Soccer Stadium Tour: $25
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour with Local Guide: $25
  • Music City Ghosts & Hauntings Guided Walking Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $28
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Nashville Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $23
  • Nashville's Annual New Year's Eve Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Firecracker Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville's Annual Tacky Sweater Pub Crawl: $25
  • Spirits of Nashville Haunted Pub Crawl: $25
  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Nashville Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $28
  • Belle Meade Guided Mansion Tour with Complimentary Wine Tasting: $29
  • Booze, Boots, Murder and Mayhem: Country Music Pub Crawl: $30
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bern is cooler than Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bern. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in July than Nashville. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Bern or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Nashville. 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 Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Bern is cooler than Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Nashville. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Bern or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bern as well as Nashville. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Bern is generally cooler than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Nashville. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Bern or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

Bern is cooler than Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nashville. In April, Bern usually receives less rain than Nashville. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Bern

Bern Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)