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.

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


How is Bern different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome and Bern. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Bern or Rome Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Bern
Rome

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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Rome are world-renowned. 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?

Bern
Rome

Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant 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.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Rome

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.

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 Rome Better for Shopping?

Bern
Rome

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.

Known for shopping, Rome draws large crowds to its stores. 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?

Bern
Rome

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rome is very family-friendly. 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?

Bern
Rome

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.

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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?

Bern
Rome

Both Bern and Rome are popular destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rome is extremely popular for backpackers. 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?

Bern
Rome

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.

Public transit in Rome is top-notch. 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
Rome

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.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. 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.


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 here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 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 do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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 region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming 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 fun-filled big city where you can fill many days. 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 Rome?

The historic 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 bustling 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 $198, while the average daily cost in Rome is $143. 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 $128
    Rome $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $256
    Rome $146
Compare Hotels in Bern and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Rome? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bern


Hotels in Rome


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bern Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $26
    Rome $19

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)
    $2.17
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $49
  • 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 $47
    Rome $40

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
    $3.25
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.35
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.88
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $34
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.17
  • Dinner
    $63

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 $27
    Rome $32

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)
    $75
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $36
  • Roma Pass
    $33
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $22
  • Segway Tour
    $82

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 $21
    Rome $16

Typical Alcohol prices in Rome

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.07
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.89
  • 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.


When is the best time to visit Bern or Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Rome. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bern is generally cooler than Rome. Temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Rome stays around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Rome. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Bern or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Rome. Most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is cooler than Rome in the autumn. The temperature in Bern is usually 13°C (55°F) in October, and Rome stays around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Rome. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Bern or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January are around 3°C (37°F), and Rome is about 8°C (47°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives less rain than Rome. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Bern or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Rome. Temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Rome stays around 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bern often gets less sunshine than Rome. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Bern

Bern Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)


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Bern vs. Rome Travel Comparison

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