A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Tihany for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bern or Tihany?

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

Should I visit Bern or Tihany? 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.

Where Should I go: Bern or Tihany?

Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is $44. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Tihany $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Tihany $38
Compare Hotels in Bern and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Tihany $11

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany $18

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Tihany $4.82

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 Tihany

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Tihany $6.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Tihany?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Tihany in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Tihany. The summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bern is around the same temperature as Tihany. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Tihany averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tihany. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Tihany. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bern or Tihany in the Autumn?

Both Tihany and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In October, Bern is generally around the same temperature as Tihany. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives more rain than Tihany. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Bern or Tihany in the Winter?

Both Tihany and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tihany can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. Bern is much warmer than Tihany in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Tihany fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Tihany -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Bern or Tihany in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Tihany. Many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bern is around the same temperature as Tihany. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Tihany averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Tihany. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Bern

Bern Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)