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

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Should you visit Bern or Paris?

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

Should I visit Bern or Paris? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bern and Paris: Pros and Cons

Bern
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Paris
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


How is Bern different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris and Bern. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Bern or Paris Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Bern
Paris

Both Bern and Paris have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and Bern Cathedral.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House.


Is Bern or Paris Better for Food?

Bern
Paris

Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant options in Paris a bit more than Bern.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Paris

Party-goers will usually choose Paris over Bern.

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Shopping?

Bern
Paris

Both Bern and Paris are good 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.

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées.

Is Bern or Paris Better for Families?

Bern
Paris

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Paris.

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, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.


Is Bern or Paris Better for Couples?

Bern
Paris

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Paris make for a good 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is Bern or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Paris

Both Bern and Paris are popular 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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Is Bern or Paris Better for Public Transit?

Bern
Paris

Both Bern and Paris offer public transit options.

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

Public transit in Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Bern or Paris a more walkable city?

Bern
Paris

Bern and Paris both are comparable 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.


Should I spend more time in Paris or Bern?

How long in Bern or Paris?

Both Bern and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than Bern.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bern is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Paris is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Bern or Paris? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Paris 3-7

One day in Bern or Paris?

In Bern, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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.

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Paris?

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.

Paris is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Paris?

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.

Paris is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural 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.

Paris is a iconic city where you can fill many days. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Paris or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $198, while the average daily cost in Paris is $200. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bern and Paris in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $128
    Paris $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $256
    Paris $262
Compare Hotels in Bern and Paris

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Paris? 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 Paris


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 Paris Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $26
    Paris $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Zurich City - One Way: $661
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Basel City - One Way: $586
  • Private transfer from Bern City to Zurich Airport: $416
  • Private Transfer from Bern City Center to Zurich City Center: $318
  • Geneva: Premium 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Bern: $277
  • Premium Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Interlaken: $250
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Bern City - One Way: $105

Typical Local Transportation prices in Paris

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


  • Metro
    $6.96
  • Train from Airport
    $9.79
  • Metro tickets
    $7.39
  • Train
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Paris to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's Garden: $9.57
  • Shared Arrival Transfer from Orly Airport (ORY) to Paris: $23
  • Shared Departure Transfer from Paris to Orly airport: $23
  • Paris Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $33
  • Semi Private Arrival Transfer: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): $33
  • Semi Private Departure Transfer: Paris to ORLY Airport: $33
  • Semi Private Departure Transfer: Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): $33
  • Private Transfer: Gare du Nord Train Station (Eurostar Terminal): $34
  • Private One-Way Transfer: City of Paris: $36
  • Paris Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $36
  • Paris to Versailles Round-Trip Coach Transfer: $37
  • Paris to Versailles Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer by Luxury Bus: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Paris?

Prices for flights to both Paris 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 $47
    Paris $34

Typical Food prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    $8.70
  • Breakfast
    $7.61
  • Breakfast for 2
    $32
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    $94
  • Dinner
    $62
  • Cheese
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

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

  • Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $49
  • Paris River Seine Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Italian dinner on the river Seine: $61
  • Seine River Cruise with French Dinner on Champs-Elysees Avenue: $61
  • Seine River Cruise & Dinner on Champs Elysées Avenue: $62
  • Choux cooking class for kids in Paris: $62
  • Capitaine Fracasse Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Paris Small-Group Gourmet Food Tour With Optional Lunch and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Bistro Parisien Dinner and Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Combination: $75
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique Bike and Food tour in Paris !: $75
  • Romantic Cruise with 3-course Dinner on Seine River: $76
  • Fondue Cooking Party - Winter is Coming: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $27
    Paris $67

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • Adventure: Diamond Skull Virtual Reality: $230
  • Bern - Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $446
  • Bern Capital City Private Tour: $194
  • Bern Capital City Small Group Tour: $90
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $45
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $491
  • Bern Old Town- Private Tour: $435
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $366
  • Bern Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $497
  • 1-Hour Must-See Express Tour: $72
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $162
  • 4-Hour City Tour with Private Guide: $231

Typical Entertainment prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    $20
  • Admission to Pantheon
    $5.44
  • Catacombs (2)
    $25

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • Secret Montmartre, smartphone audioguided tour: $0.98
  • Trendy Marais, smartphone audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Marais HiddenTreasures, audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Paris Criminal Past, audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Test Day tour: $1.00
  • BEST OF ROYAL DAYS & LIFE : 3 audioguided tours: $1.85
  • BEST OF PARIS : 3 smartphone audioguided tours: $1.85
  • Legends of Paris Night Free Walking Tour in Spanish: $3.72
  • Visit the Eiffel Tower at your own pace Self-guided audio tour: $4.96
  • Flâneurs of Belleville: Explore the art of city walking on an audio walking tour: $5.00
  • One Hour Père Lachaise Cemetery Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.43
  • Marais: Explore this historic neighbourhood on a kid-friendly audio walking tour: $5.49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $21
    Paris $21

Typical Alcohol prices in Paris

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


  • Wine
    $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Pub Crawl in Latin Quarter: $37
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $40
  • Guided tour and wine tasting in a historic cellar in the center of Paris: $41
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $47
  • Organic wine tasting in Paris: $56
  • Wine Tasting In Paris: $83
  • Paris Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Cheese Cellar: $87
  • Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $89
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $97
  • Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese & Cured Meat Lunch with an Expert Sommelier Guide: $97
  • Paris Evening Wine Tour and Tasting: $112
  • Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $112

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Bern and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Bern or Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Paris. The summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

Bern is around the same temperature as Paris in the summer. The temperature in Bern is usually 21°C (70°F) in July, and Paris stays around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Paris 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bern or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris 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. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bern is around the same temperature as Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October are around 13°C (55°F), and Paris is about 13°C (56°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Paris. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Paris 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Bern or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. In January, Bern is generally much colder than Paris. Temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Paris stays around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Paris. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Paris 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Bern or Paris in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Paris. Many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Bern is around the same temperature as Paris in the spring. The temperature in Bern is usually 11°C (52°F) in April, and Paris stays around 11°C (52°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Paris. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Paris 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Paris and Bern

Bern Paris
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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Bern vs. Paris Travel Comparison

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