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

Should you visit Bern or Portofino?

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

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

Portofino

Portofino is a luxurious, glamorous, and picturesque seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bern and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Bern and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bern attracts visitors for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Bern and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

Its scenic harbor

How is Bern different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

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

Portofino 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, Portofino makes for a great culinary experience. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

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 Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino 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.

Portofino offers plenty to do in the evening. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

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 Portofino Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portofino is a great choice. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Bern or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Portofino is a good option for a beach vacation. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Bern and Portofino.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Is Bern or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Portofino?

Both Bern and Portofino are high quality 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.

Portofino is well-known for its shopping. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Is Bern or Portofino Better for Families?

Bern is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Bern is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Bern or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Portofino makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

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.

Is Bern or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is notable for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bern is a great city to visit for backpackers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

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

Bern is notable for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bern can get you to some places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Bern or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is renowned for its walkability. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Portofino on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

Bern is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Bern?

How long in Bern or Portofino?

In either Bern or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Bern because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Portofino 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.

One day in Bern or Portofino?

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.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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.

Portofino 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 Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural 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.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This seaside village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portofino?

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.

Because Portofino is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bern 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino than you might in Bern.

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Portofino?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Portofino, 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.