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

Should you visit Bern or Reims?

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

Should I visit Bern or Reims? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Reims?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bern than Reims. While Reims is larger than Bern, Bern has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bern is better known for its museums and historical sights, while Reims is more popular for its food. Reims is more touristy than Bern and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Also, Bern is famous for The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Bern different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bern can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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, Reims is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Both Bern and Reims are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reims. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Bern or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Bern is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bern to see the historical old town. 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Reims?

Both Bern and Reims are very 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.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Bern or Reims Better for Families?

Bern is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Bern is known to be 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Bern or Reims Better for Couples?

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

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Reims is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Bern is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bern offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that run around town.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Bern or Reims a more walkable city?

Bern and Reims both are very good 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.

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Bern?

How long in Bern or Reims?

In either Bern or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims 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 Reims.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

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.

Reims is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Reims?

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful 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.

The relaxing city of Reims offers nightlife and food. 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 France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Reims. Many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims 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 Reims during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Reims. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Reims. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bern is around the same temperature as Reims in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Reims. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reims because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Reims can be very cold. Bern can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bern is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Reims averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Reims during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Reims. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In April, Bern is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reims and Bern