A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Bergen for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Bordeaux or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bordeaux is more popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Bordeaux is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bordeaux different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Bordeaux and Bergen.

Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Bordeaux is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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 Bordeaux or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bordeaux or Bergen has a better nightlife scene.

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

If you're looking for night time activities Bergen has a few options to choose from. 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 Bordeaux or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Bordeaux and Bergen.

Many people head to Bordeaux to see the old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Bergen has an old town worth visiting. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Bergen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bergen and Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bergen. 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 Bordeaux or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Bordeaux or Bergen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bordeaux and Bergen make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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.

Is Bordeaux or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux and Bergen are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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

Is Bordeaux or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bordeaux and Bergen.

Public transit in Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bergen. 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 Bordeaux or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Bergen both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bordeaux and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than in Bergen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Bergen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Bergen?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bergen 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.

A week in Bordeaux or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the elegant destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bergen is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 Bordeaux and Bergen, we can see that Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Bergen?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux or Bergen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Bergen. The summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and 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 the summer, Bordeaux is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Bergen. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Bordeaux is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Bordeaux is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. In January, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Bordeaux during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Bordeaux is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bordeaux in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Bordeaux