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.

Bern and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bern is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Bern different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Bern and Sarajevo have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Sarajevo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 the Food Better in Bern or Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo 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, 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 restaurant 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 nice 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?

Sarajevo is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is Bern or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Sarajevo?

Both Bern and Sarajevo are superb 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?

Bern is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bern is very family-friendly. 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 doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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?

Bern is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. 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 superb 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.

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? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bern and Sarajevo offer superb public transit options.

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

The public transit in Sarajevo can get you around easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Bern or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Bern is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

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

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. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

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 here.

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

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint 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 cultural 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bern or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bern is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bern. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Sarajevo. The autumn months attract visitors to Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In October, Bern is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bern or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bern as well as Sarajevo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. Bern is much colder than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Bern usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bern is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Bern usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Bern