A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Nuremberg for Attractions, Old Town, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Bern or Nuremberg?

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

Should I visit Bern or Nuremberg? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a historic, fascinating, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern and Nuremberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Nuremberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nuremberg than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nuremberg is more touristy than Bern and is known for its quaint old town, beautiful architecture, and festive Christmas markets. It is also well known for Nuremberg Castle. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Nuremberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nuremberg is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Nuremberg that are not to be missed. It's well established on the tourist circuit and it's easy to see why. The history and charm, combined with interesting sights make it a top place to visit in Germany. Make sure you check out Kaiserburg, the Nuremberg Trials Memorial, and Germanisches National Museum.

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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Bern and Nuremberg.

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

Nuremberg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is heavily influenced by Franconian cuisines and you'll find many sausages and lots of meat in the restaurants. In addition to Nuremberg sausage, you should definitely try the bretzel, leberkäsweggla (a meat and grain snack), and schäuferle (pig's shoulder meat).

Is Bern or Nuremberg Better for Nightlife?

Nuremberg 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.

Nuremberg offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with clubs, bars, live music venues, and a number of festivals held in town. It's possible to have a relaxing night with a beer in a beer garden or a more lively evening at one of the many clubs around town.

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 Nuremberg Better for its Old Town?

Nuremberg 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 Nuremberg is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town is filled with charm and it's easy to explore on foot. It's also large enough that you'll leave wishing you had more time to see it all.

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 the Shopping Better in Bern or Nuremberg?

Both Bern and Nuremberg are excellent shopping destinations.

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.

Nuremberg is well-known for its shopping. In addition to its iconic Christmas markets, you'll find year round shopping areas, pedestrian shopping streets, and large shopping malls. Some of the best places to shop include Lorenzer Altstadt, Hauptmarkt, and Königstorpassage.

Is Bern or Nuremberg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Nuremberg.

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, Nuremberg is very family-friendly. The town has a nice zoo and several museums that are great for kids like the DB Railway Museum, the Toy Museum, and the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium. Also make sure you visit the Imperial Castle which is a highlight of a trip to Nuremberg for kids and adults alike.

Is Bern or Nuremberg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Nuremberg make for a excellent 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.

Nuremberg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has history, beauty, charm, and personality. You'll find many romantic spots to walk hand in hand or enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy setting.

Is Bern or Nuremberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Nuremberg are excellent 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 Nuremberg. It's a favorite city of many travelers to Germany and backpackers are no exception. There are enough hostels to keep prices in check and wandering the old town is a free and rewarding experience.

Is Bern or Nuremberg Better for Students?

Nuremberg is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Nuremberg is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a reasonably priced city with a number of activities and great transportation. Students appreciate the energy and large number of things to do.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Both Bern and Nuremberg offer excellent public transit options.

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

The public transit in Nuremberg can get you around easily. The city offers buses, trams, and an underground train system.

Is Bern or Nuremberg a more walkable city?

Bern and Nuremberg both are excellent 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.

Nuremberg is a very walkable city. The old town in particular is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nuremberg or Bern?

How long in Bern or Nuremberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bern and Nuremberg. In our opinion, Nuremberg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nuremberg than Bern. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Bern or Nuremberg?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nuremberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Nuremberg?

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.

Nuremberg is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Nuremberg?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic 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 fascinating destination of Nuremberg. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Nuremberg?

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 fascinating city of Nuremberg offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Nuremberg?

Nuremberg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Nuremberg, 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 Nuremberg?

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 Nuremberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Nuremberg. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nuremberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bern is around the same temperature as Nuremberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Nuremberg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nuremberg this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nuremberg during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Nuremberg receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Nuremberg. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nuremberg receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Nuremberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Nuremberg. 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 Nuremberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bern is generally a little warmer than Nuremberg. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Nuremberg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nuremberg. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nuremberg receives 122 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in October than Nuremberg. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nuremberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Nuremberg in the Winter?

Both Nuremberg and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nuremberg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nuremberg in the winter. The weather in Bern can be very cold. Bern is much warmer than Nuremberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Nuremberg fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Nuremberg during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Nuremberg receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Nuremberg. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nuremberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Nuremberg in the Spring?

Both Nuremberg and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nuremberg for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bern is around the same temperature as Nuremberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Nuremberg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nuremberg. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nuremberg receives 166 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Nuremberg. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nuremberg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nuremberg and Bern