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

Should you visit Bern or Venice?

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

Should I visit Bern or Venice? 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 cultural, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Venice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Venice than Bern. Venice is bigger than Bern, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Venice is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bern is more popular for its nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Bern and Venice.

Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Venice has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Bern or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Bern is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bern has a few options to choose from. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Bern or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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 Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 the Shopping Better in Bern or Venice?

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

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bern or Venice.

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, Venice is very family-friendly. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Bern or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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.

Is Bern or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Venice are great 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Bern or Venice Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Venice 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.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Bern or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Bern?

How long in Bern or Venice?

Both Bern and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Bern. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Bern or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Venice. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Venice?

Bern is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Venice 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the magical destination of Venice. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bern. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful city of Venice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Bern and Venice, we can see that Bern is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Venice. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Venice. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Venice. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bern is around the same temperature as Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Venice. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bern or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. Bern can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bern is around the same temperature as Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Venice. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Venice. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Venice. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Bern