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

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

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Bern or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Bern. Rome is bigger than Bern, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bern is more popular for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Bern and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bern or Rome?

Bern
Rome

Rome 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 Rome that are not to be missed. 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.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bern
Rome

Rome 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, 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

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

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 Music?

Bern
Rome

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

Rome is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Bern is not a live music destination.


Is Bern or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Rome

Bern is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Bern is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Rome?

Bern
Rome

Rome is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. 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.

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 excellent 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

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

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).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Bern
Rome

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

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Bern is not popular with students.


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

Bern
Rome

Rome 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.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Bern or Rome a more walkable city?

Bern
Rome

Rome 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 Rome on foot. 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 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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

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 in Bern. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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


  • 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 charming 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place 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 $254, while the average daily cost in Rome is $185. 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 destination. 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 $164
    Rome $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $328
    Rome $194
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 $34
    Rome $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $171
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $215
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $229

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

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


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.18
  • 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:

  • Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $5.39
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Ciampino Airport: $6.52
  • Bus Transfer Between Airport and Rome Termini Station: $6.52
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport: $7.60
  • Transfer Fiumicino Airport - Rome center: $7.73
  • Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome center: $7.73
  • Fiumicino Airport from/to Vaticano Transfer: $8.84
  • Civitavecchia Port to/from Vatican City Bus Transfer: $16
  • Rome to Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) to Rome - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Skip the Line: Papal Audience Ticket (optional 1 way transfer): $28
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Optional Cruise Port Transfer: $33

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 $61
    Rome $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $63

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
    $2.18
  • Dinner
    $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $32
  • Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $32
  • Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $32
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Drinks Included in Rome: $34
  • Dinner in Carbonara,Amatriciana,Cacio&Pepe e wine tasting : $35
  • Drunken Food Tour with Dinner in Rome: $36
  • Urban Rafting Tour to Tiber Island with A Local Pizza: $39
  • Cooking Class of fresh Pasta and Tiramisu Cake: $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Rome $40

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.41
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.06
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.55
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.69
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $16
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

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:

  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • PANTHEON Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.00
  • Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.40
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.43
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Evening Walking Tour in Rome: $5.51
  • Vatican Night Tour - Rome: $5.51
  • What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
  • St. Peter's Basilica Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99
  • 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Rome: $6.00
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $6.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Rome $20

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.08
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.90
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $33
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $46
  • The Best Wine Tasting in Trastevere with food pairing and Gelato: $50
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $53
  • Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $54
  • Orange wine tasting : $61
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $61
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Tour & Vineyards : $65
  • Pasta Making & Wine Tasting in a Trastevere Villa: $69
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $72


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.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Rome, 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 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. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Rome fluctuates 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 daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates 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 average around 3°C (37°F), and Rome averages at 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. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Rome fluctuates 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)