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

Should you visit Bern or Wurzburg?

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

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

Wurzburg

Wurzburg is a historical, cultural, and architectural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern and Wurzburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Bern or Wurzburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wurzburg. Although Bern and Wurzburg are roughly the same size, Wurzburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wurzburg is more popular for its museums and nightlife, while Bern is known for its shopping. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Wurzburg is popular for its wines, gardens, and charming old town. It is also home to Fortress Marienberg.

How is Bern different from Wurzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern
Wurzburg

Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg that are not to be missed. The Franconian city is known for its history and architecture. One of the most well know sights is the 18th-century Residenz palace. Other attractions in town include the Martin von Wagner Museum, the Würzburg Court Gardens, the Marienberg Fortress, and the Würzburg Cathedral & Museum.

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 Wurzburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bern
Wurzburg

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Bern and Wurzburg.

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

Wurzburg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local restaurants that serve up regional specialties like bratwurst, weisswurst (white sausage), and Bavarian cream. There are also fine dining restaurants and cafes that cater specifically to tourists.

Is Bern or Wurzburg Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Wurzburg

Wurzburg 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.

Wurzburg offers plenty to do in the evening. The town is in the heart of the Franconian wine district, so you'll find many wine bars, cellars, and wineries around town. For something a bit more active, there are some lively clubs and bars to choose from as well.

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 Wurzburg Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Wurzburg

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

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Wurzburg. The old town is best explored on foot and there are walking tours available that take you through many of the historical and architectural landmarks.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Wurzburg?

Bern
Wurzburg

Bern is a great city for shopping. Also, Wurzburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bern. 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.

Wurzburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping streets as well as some major department stores and local venues.

Is Bern or Wurzburg Better for Families?

Bern
Wurzburg

Bern is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Wurzburg is not known 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.

Wurzburg is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and cultural sights that can sometimes be challenging for young kids. To break up the history, head to some of the town's gardens and main square.

Is Bern or Wurzburg Better for Couples?

Bern
Wurzburg

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Wurzburg make for a excellent 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.

Wurzburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its beautiful architecture, fascinating history, and beautiful gardens, there is lot for a couple to explore together. You can wander through the fortress or soak up the beautiful gardens.


Is Bern or Wurzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Wurzburg

Bern is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wurzburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Wurzburg. There are a couple of hostels in town and it's easily accessible from Frankfurt by public transit. Many people also choose to visit Wurzbug as a day trip.

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

Bern
Wurzburg

Both Bern and Wurzburg offer excellent 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 Wurzburg can get you around easily. The system includes trams and buses, including five tram lines that make loops around the city.

Is Bern or Wurzburg a more walkable city?

Bern
Wurzburg

Bern and Wurzburg both are excellent 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.

Wurzburg is a very walkable city. You can wander around town and take in many of the sights and attractions as part of a walking tour.


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

Should I spend more time in Wurzburg or Bern?

How long in Bern or Wurzburg?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bern or Wurzburg to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bern than Wurzburg because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 1-2 days is enough time in Wurzburg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Wurzburg 1-2

One day in Bern or Wurzburg?

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 Wurzburg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Wurzburg?

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.

Wurzburg is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Wurzburg?

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 architectural destination of Wurzburg. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Bern or Wurzburg?

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 Wurzburg offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Walking Tours in Germany, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Wurzburg 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 Wurzburg is $128. 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 Wurzburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Wurzburg $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Wurzburg $170
Compare Hotels in Bern and Wurzburg

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Wurzburg? 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 Wurzburg


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 Wurzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Wurzburg $8.45

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 Wurzburg?

Prices for flights to both Wurzburg 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
    Wurzburg $37

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
    Wurzburg $9.57

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 Wurzburg

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

  • WÜrzburg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour in Würzburg: $7.63
  • Würzburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Rothenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • City tour through Würzburg with the Bimmelbahn: $12
  • Discover Würzburg Walking Tour with Typical Wine Gift: $21
  • Medieval Musical Tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber: $22
  • Romantic Road Ticket from Würzburg(Main) to Rothenburg/Tauber (SUNDAY): $40
  • Wurzburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Wurzburg $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Wurzburg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Wurzburg:

  • Private mulled wine tour in Würzburg: $55
  • Romantic Road Day Trip from Würzburg to Rothenburg/Tauber incl. Wine tasting : $97


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Wurzburg?

Wurzburg has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Wurzburg, 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 Wurzburg?

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 Wurzburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Wurzburg. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Wurzburg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bern is around the same temperature as Wurzburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Wurzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wurzburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets more sunshine than Wurzburg. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wurzburg receives 221 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Wurzburg. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Wurzburg receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Wurzburg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bern or Wurzburg in the Autumn?

Both Wurzburg and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wurzburg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bern is around the same temperature as Wurzburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Wurzburg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Wurzburg during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Wurzburg receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives more rain than Wurzburg. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Wurzburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Bern or Wurzburg in the Winter?

Both Wurzburg and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wurzburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Wurzburg in the winter. The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Bern is generally much warmer than Wurzburg. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Wurzburg fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets more sunshine than Wurzburg. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wurzburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in January than Wurzburg. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Wurzburg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Wurzburg 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Bern or Wurzburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Wurzburg. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wurzburg for the natural beauty.

Bern is around the same temperature as Wurzburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Wurzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wurzburg during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Wurzburg receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Wurzburg. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Wurzburg receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Wurzburg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Wurzburg and Bern

Bern Wurzburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)