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

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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.

How is Bern different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Bern or Venice better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Both Bern and Venice 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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.


Is Bern or Venice better for Food?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine 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 is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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?

Both Bern and Venice 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.

Venice doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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?

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

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.

The historic old town of Venice is revered around 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.

Is Bern or Venice better for Shopping?

Both Bern and Venice 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.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. 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.


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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. 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?

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Venice make for a good place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. 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.

Is Bern or Venice better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bern and Venice 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.

Venice is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Public Transit?

Both Bern and Venice offer public transit options.

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.


Is Bern or Venice a more walkable city?

Bern and Venice 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.

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

Bern and Venice: Pros and Cons

Bern
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Venice
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


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 Bern.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Bern is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Venice is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Bern or Venice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Venice 2-7

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 spend here.

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 around the area. 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 spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

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 here 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 romantic destination of Venice. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.


A week in Bern or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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 cultural 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.

Which city is cheaper, Venice or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $185, while the average daily cost in Venice is $190. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bern and Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $119
    Venice $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $238
    Venice $196

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $25
    Venice $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Zurich City - One Way: $661
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Basel City - One Way: $586
  • Private transfer from Bern City to Zurich Airport: $416
  • Private Transfer from Bern City Center to Zurich City Center: $318
  • Geneva: Premium 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Bern: $277
  • Premium Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Interlaken: $250
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Bern City - One Way: $105

Typical Local Transportation prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    $17
  • Vaporetto Ride
    $6.84
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    $19
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Ultra - Venice Private Airport Transfer from City Hotels to Venice Airport VCE: $10
  • Ultra - Venice Private Airport Transfer from Venice Airport VCE to City Hotels: $10
  • Ultra - Venice Private Airport Transfer from Venice Airport VCE to Cruise Port: $10
  • Private Airport Transfer: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Venice: $31
  • Shuttle Transfer From/to Venice City and Airport: $32
  • Private Arrival Van Transfer: Venice Airport to Venice, piazzale Roma: $34
  • Private Transfer to/from Airport and Venice city center: $36
  • Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $36
  • Venice Marco Polo Airport Shared Transfer by Water Taxi: $38
  • Private Transfer from Venice Port to Venice Airport by car: $38
  • Private transfer from Venice Airport to Venice Port by car: $38
  • Private transfer from Venice Port to Venice Airport by Minivan: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice 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 $44
    Venice $54

Typical Food prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $4.21
  • Gelato
    $6.31
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    $8.31
  • Expresso
    $2.05
  • Slice of Pizza
    $2.35
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

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

  • 1 Hour Online Live Carbonara Cooking Class With Italian Chef: $37
  • Online Tiramisu Cooking Class With Italian Chef At Home: $37
  • 2.5-Hour Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $48
  • 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $74
  • Venice Food Tour: Rialto Market and Cicchetti Tasting: $84
  • Traditional Home Dinner in Venice with a Chef: $87
  • Cooking Show with a Famous Local Chef: $90
  • Venice Carnival 4-Hour Grand Ball Gala Dinner and Show: $102
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $103
  • Private Food Tour: Cicheti & Wine: $106
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Central Venice with a Fun Loving Local: $106
  • Interpreti Veneziani Ensemble Baroque Concert with Dinner: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $25
    Venice $84

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • Adventure: Diamond Skull Virtual Reality: $230
  • Bern - Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $446
  • Bern Capital City Private Tour: $194
  • Bern Capital City Small Group Tour: $90
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $45
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $491
  • Bern Old Town- Private Tour: $435
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $366
  • Bern Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $497
  • 1-Hour Must-See Express Tour: $72
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $162
  • 4-Hour City Tour with Private Guide: $231

Typical Entertainment prices in Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    $16
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    $8.41
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    $84
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    $17
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    $3.16
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    $8.41

Tours and Activities in Venice

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

  • Best Price: Book Doge's Palace skip the line ticket with audio-guide: $9.95
  • Once-in-a-lifetime virtual tour in Venice alone RoamFromHome: $9.95
  • Venice Highlights Virtual Tour with Expert Guide (Times in EST): $11
  • Vatican and Sistine Chapel Virtual Guided Tour (Times in EST): $11
  • Online Casanova Venice Great Escape Cinematic Experience: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • La Fenice: Morning Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $15
  • Venetian Lagoon 90-Minute Sightseeing Cruise: $16
  • Giorgio Cini Foundation Tour with Audio Guide: $16
  • Modigliani Opera Vision Exhibition Ticket: $18
  • The Majestic Teatro La Fenice: Guided Tour in Venice: $23
  • Skip the Line: Venice Accademia Galleries Ticket: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $20
    Venice $20

Typical Alcohol prices in Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    $5.47
  • Beer
    $5.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:

  • Venice Wine Tasting Tour: $30
  • Online Live Wine Tasting from Venice: $37
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $40
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $62
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $67
  • A Relaxing Evening at The Hot Springs (with wine tastings): $75
  • Natural wine tasting with a Bacaro owner in Venice: $76
  • Venice in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
  • Taste Food and Wine Tour of the Rialto Markets: $147
  • Full-Day Prosecco Wine Tour and Tasting: $204
  • Amarone Wine Tasting from Venice by Train: $210
  • Amarone-Soave wine tour. Visit Verona. From Venice: $291

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Bern and Venice, we can see that Venice 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.

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Bern vs. Venice Travel Comparison

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