A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bern or Positano?

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

Should I visit Bern or Positano? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. 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 food, beaches, and hiking.

Bern and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bern is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano 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, Positano is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Bern is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bern has a few options to choose from. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Bern or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Bern or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bern or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Positano is a good option for a beach vacation. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Bern or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano 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 Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

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 Bern or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

Positano is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Positano?

Both Bern and Positano are superb 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.

Positano is well-known for its shopping. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Bern or Positano Better for Families?

Bern is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bern. 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Bern or Positano Better for Couples?

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

Positano makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

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 Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Bern is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

The public transit in Bern can get you to most places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Bern or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano 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 Positano on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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 Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Bern?

How long in Bern or Positano?

Both Bern and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Bern. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Positano 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 Positano?

The beautiful city of Bern offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Positano?

Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Positano?

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This Mediterranean 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 Positano?

Bern is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bern and Positano, we can see that Bern 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Positano?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Positano. Most visitors come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Positano. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

Bern is cooler than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Positano. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bern or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Positano. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bern usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Positano. Many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives less rain than Positano. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Bern