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

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Should you visit Bern or Rome?

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

Should I visit Bern or Rome? 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.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular 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 food, shopping, and museums.

How is Bern different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Bern or Rome better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Both Bern and Rome 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.


Is Bern or Rome better for Food?

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

For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bern area. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Rome better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will usually choose Rome over Bern.

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Bern has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Bern or Rome better for Shopping?

Both Bern and Rome 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.

Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Bern or Rome better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Rome.

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.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.


Is Bern or Rome better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Rome 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.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Bern or Rome better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Rome are popular destinations for backpackers.

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.

Rome is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Is Bern or Rome better for Public Transit?

Both Bern and Rome offer public transit options.

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

Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Is Bern or Rome a more walkable city?

Bern and Rome 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.

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.


Bern and Rome: 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
Rome
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


Should I spend more time in Rome or Bern?

How long in Bern or Rome?

Both Bern and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome 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 Rome is 3-7 days.


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

One day in Bern or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bern or Rome?

Bern 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 spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

Rome 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 area has lots to do.

Five days in Bern or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bern. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome is a ancient big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.

A week in Bern or Rome?

The beautiful city of Bern offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Rome is a popular 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, Rome or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $185, while the average daily cost in Rome is $138. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $119
    Rome $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $238
    Rome $142

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $25
    Rome $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

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

Typical Local Transportation prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.10
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $47
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Ciampino Airport – Rome Termini Direct Bus Transfer: $6.81
  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Rome City Centre to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Rome Private Airport Transfer from city centre to Fiumicino airport FCO: $9.41
  • Rome Hotel to Airports: Shared Departure Transfer (max 8 people): $19
  • Airport transfer from hotel in Rome: $20
  • Luxury transfer from hotel in Rome to the Civitavecchia Port: $20
  • Shuttle Arrival Transfer from Rome Ciampino Airport to Rome City Center: $20
  • Taxi Transfer in the City Center: $21
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Rome Hotels to Fiumicino Airport: $24
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Rome Hotels to Ciampino Airport: $24
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Ciampino Airport to Rome Hotels: $24
  • Rome - Castel Romano Outlet / Private Van Transfer: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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 $44
    Rome $39

Typical Food prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $15
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.14
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.21
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.79
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $33
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.10
  • Dinner
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Tours from Home: Pizza Cooking Class with Italian Chefs: $15
  • Interactive Cooking Experiences with Renowned Chefs All Over the World (in EST): $22
  • Live from Tagliatelle & Chicken Fricassee Online Cooking Class: $23
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Carbonara, Amatriciana, Pesto & "pasta al dente": $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $48
  • Private Italian dinner in Rome with a selection of local wines: $51
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour Artisian Rome: $55
  • Make Your Own Pizza Cooking Class & Dinner: $56
  • 1h Pizza Crash Course with a Chef in Rome: $61
  • 1-Hour Rome Pizza Cooking Class with Dinner: $61
  • Ravioli and Meatballs Cooking Class: $61
  • Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop with Dinner: $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $25
    Rome $31

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • Tour with iPod Audio Guide: $20
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $45
  • 1-Hour Must-See Express Tour: $72
  • Tirano to St. Moritz: Bernina Red Train Return Day-Ticket: $79
  • Art and Culture Tour with a Local Guide: $83
  • Instagram Highlights Tour: $83
  • Bern Capital City Small Group Tour: $90
  • Best Introduction Tour of Bern with a Local: $91
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $162
  • Schilthorn Piz Gloria (James Bond Location) Small Group Tour from Bern: $179
  • GAILY TOUR in BERN - Gay & Lesbian Tour: $187
  • Bern Capital City Private Tour: $194

Typical Entertainment prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $73
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $35
  • Roma Pass
    $32
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $21
  • Segway Tour
    $79

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ticket for Pantheon with Audioguide + City APP: $6.22
  • A day as a citizen of ancient Rome - live virtual experience: $6.22
  • 35-Minute Pantheon Audio Guide Tour: $9.64
  • Tours from Home: Essential Rome, The Iconic Piazzas: $10
  • Tours from Home: Colosseum & Gladiators: $10
  • Ticket to Piazza Navona Undergrounds Stadium of Domitian: $11
  • Ancient Rome Virtual Guided Tour (Times in EST): $11
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of Colosseum: The Highlights: $11
  • Catacombs of Saint Sebastian Guided Tour: $11
  • Catacombs of Priscilla Guided Tour: $11
  • Mamertime Prison Entrance Ticket with Multimedia Guide: $11
  • Experience the Past Present Future of Video Games at Vigamus - The Video Game Museum of Rome: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $20
    Rome $15

Typical Alcohol prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $6.84
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.67
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • From Food & Wine Tasting in a Medieval Cellar: $51
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $67
  • Private Rome Food & Wine Tour with Aperitif on Private Roof Top Terrance: $100
  • Wine Tour Experience from Rome factory Giglio: $123
  • Lunch, Diner and wine tasting in a shaby chic italian restaurant in Rome: $135
  • From Frascati 3-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour: $147
  • Wine Tasting in Frascati from Rome: $160
  • Frascati 3-Hour Wine Tasting PrivateTour: $183
  • Rome Countryside Vineyards and Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $185
  • Rome Countryside Vineyards and Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $187
  • Private 3.5-Hour Castelli Romani Wine Tasting Tour from Rome: $191
  • Rome By Night & Wine Tasting: $195

About these numbers

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

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Bern vs. Rome Travel Comparison

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