A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bonn vs. Bergen for Families, Attractions, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Bonn or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Bergen? 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Bergen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bonn than Bergen. Bonn is bigger than Bergen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bonn is better known for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen is more popular for its small town charm. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Also, Bonn is famous for The Bonn Minster. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bonn different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergen and Bonn. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bonn or Bergen?

Bonn is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Is the Food Better in Bonn or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Bonn and Bergen offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Bonn or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Bonn and Bergen.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Bonn or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bonn is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Bergen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Bergen both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Bergen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Bonn or Bergen Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Bonn is a very family-friendly destination. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

Bergen is a very family-friendly destination. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Is Bonn or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Bergen is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Bergen are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Bonn or Bergen Better for Students?

Bonn is notable for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Is Bonn or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bonn and Bergen both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

The public transit in Bergen can get you around easily. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Is Bonn or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bonn and Bergen are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

Bergen is a very walkable city. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Bergen?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bonn than Bergen 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 Bonn.

One day in Bonn or Bergen?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bonn or Bergen?

Bonn 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.

Bergen 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 Bonn or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Bergen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Bonn. 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.

The friendly city of Bergen offers nightlife and food. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bonn and Bergen, we can see that Bonn is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn than you might in Bergen.

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

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Bergen?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bonn and Bergen, 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 Bonn or Bergen?

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 Bonn or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Bonn during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In July, Bonn is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bonn usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Bergen. The shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Bonn is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Bergen. Many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bonn. In the winter, Bonn is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Bonn is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Bonn usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Bonn