A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. The Hague for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bern or The Hague?

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

Should I visit Bern or The Hague? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bern and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Bern or The Hague?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hague than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. The Hague is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bern is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bern is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. The Hague is popular for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also home to The Peace Palace.

How is Bern different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
The Hague

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Bern or The Hague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bern
The Hague

The Hague is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, The Hague makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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 The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Bern
The Hague

The Hague is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The Hague offers plenty to do in the evening. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague Better for Music?

Bern
The Hague

The Hague is a well-known place for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

The music scene in The Hague is very popular with diverse venues. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Bern is not a live music destination.


Is Bern or The Hague Better for its Old Town?

Bern
The Hague

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or The Hague?

Bern
The Hague

Both Bern and The Hague are great 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.

The Hague is well-known for its shopping. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Is Bern or The Hague Better for Families?

Bern
The Hague

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bern is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.


Is Bern or The Hague Better for Couples?

Bern
The Hague

Bern is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Bern or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
The Hague

Bern is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Bern is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Bern or The Hague Better for Students?

Bern
The Hague

The Hague is renowned for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Many students frequent The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Bern is not popular with students.


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

Bern
The Hague

Both Bern and The Hague offer great 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 The Hague can get you around easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is Bern or The Hague a more walkable city?

Bern
The Hague

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Bern?

How long in Bern or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bern and The Hague. In our opinion, Bern has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bern than The Hague. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bern than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 Bern than The Hague 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 Bern.


  • How many days in Bern or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Bern or The Hague?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The Hague is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Bern or The Hague?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The Hague is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 The Hague?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Bern. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the global big city of The Hague. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or The Hague?

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The bustling city of The Hague offers nightlife and live music. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, while the average daily cost in The Hague is $191. 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 The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    The Hague $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    The Hague $224
Compare Hotels in Bern and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Bern or The Hague? 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 The Hague


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 The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    The Hague $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague 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 $60
    The Hague $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    The Hague $37

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $627
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $592
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $161
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $459
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $534
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $334
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Gilde Den Haag: City Walking Tour NL-DEU-ENG: $8.56
  • The Hague Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Escher in The Palace Museum Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    The Hague $32

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bern is a little warmer than The Hague in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bern. In the summer, Bern often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in July than The Hague. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Bern or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and The Hague. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to The Hague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Bern is a little warmer than The Hague. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and The Hague averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than The Hague. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bern or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bern as well as The Hague. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

The Hague can be very cold during winter. Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bern is generally a little warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than The Hague. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Bern or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to The Hague because of the activities around the city.

Bern is a little warmer than The Hague in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as The Hague during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than The Hague. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Bern

Bern The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)