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

Should you visit Bern or Prague?

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

Should I visit Bern or Prague? 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.

Prague

Prague is a beautiful, festive, and fun-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Bern and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Prague?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Prague than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Prague is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bern attracts visitors for its food. Prague is more touristy than Bern and is known for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also well known for The Prague 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 Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Prague 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 Prague that are not to be missed. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the 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 Prague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bern is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bern. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Bern or Prague Better for Nightlife?

Prague is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Prague is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

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 Prague Better for Music?

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

Prague is a world class music destination. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Bern or Prague Better for its Old Town?

Prague 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 Prague is one of the most recognized in the world. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

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 Prague?

Both Bern and Prague 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.

Prague is well-known for its shopping. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

Is Bern or Prague Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Prague.

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, Prague is very family-friendly. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Bern or Prague Better for Couples?

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

Prague makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

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 Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Prague is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Prague is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Many 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.

Is Bern or Prague Better for Students?

Prague is renowned for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Prague is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Prague has a great public transit system. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

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

Is Bern or Prague a more walkable city?

Prague 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 Prague on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

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 Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Bern?

How long in Bern or Prague?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bern or Prague?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Prague is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Prague?

Bern is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Prague is a fun place to experience. 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 Prague?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Prague is a historical big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Prague?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bern. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Prague is a fun-filled city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Prague?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Prague, 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 Prague?

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 Prague in the Summer?

Both Prague and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Prague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bern is around the same temperature as Prague. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Prague averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Prague. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. Bern usually receives more sunshine than Prague during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives less rain than Prague. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Prague in the Autumn?

Both Prague and Bern during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

In October, Bern is generally a little warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Prague fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Prague. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in October than Prague. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Prague in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Prague. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Prague for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Prague. It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. Bern is much warmer than Prague in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Prague fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Prague during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Prague. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Prague in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bern as well as Prague. Many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Prague in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bern is a little warmer than Prague. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Prague averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets more sunshine than Prague. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Prague. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Prague and Bern