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

Should you visit Bern or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Bern or Sarajevo? 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 charming, beautiful, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

How is Bern different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Both Bern and Sarajevo 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for Food?

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

For foodies, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

Bern has a delicious food scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for Nightlife?

Both Bern and Sarajevo are comparable 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 Sarajevo. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the old towns in both Bern and Sarajevo.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

With a famous historical old-town, Sarajevo offers plenty to see. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for Shopping?

Both Bern and Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is well-known for its shopping. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Bern than Sarajevo.

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.

Sarajevo is not always a place people visit with their families. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for Couples?

While Sarajevo and Bern are both popular destinations, overall Bern is considered to be a more popular choice.

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.

Most people don't think of Sarajevo as a couple's destination. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Sarajevo 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.

Many backpackers visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Bern or Sarajevo better for Public Transit?

Both Bern and Sarajevo offer public transit options.

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

Sarajevo has some very good public transit options. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Bern or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Bern and Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

Bern and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Bern?

How long in Bern or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bern and Sarajevo. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bern is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Sarajevo is 1-3 days.

One day in Bern or Sarajevo?

The beautiful city of Bern offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Bern or Sarajevo?

Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area.

Sarajevo 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.

Five days in Bern or Sarajevo?

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire area has lots to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Sarajevo?

Bern is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The quaint city of Sarajevo offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.