A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bristol vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Bristol or Interlaken?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Interlaken can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a friendly, authentic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Bristol and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Interlaken?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bristol than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bristol is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Bristol and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour.

How is Bristol different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bristol or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for skiing. However, Bristol is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Bristol is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bristol or Interlaken?

Bristol is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bristol specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bristol or Interlaken? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Interlaken is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Bristol has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bristol or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Interlaken?

Bristol is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bristol or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Interlaken is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Interlaken Better for Students?

Bristol is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

Is Bristol or Interlaken Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Interlaken is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Interlaken can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Bristol is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Interlaken Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Interlaken?

In either Bristol or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Bristol because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bristol, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Interlaken than Bristol 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 Interlaken.

One day in Bristol or Interlaken?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Bristol, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bristol, one day is sufficent for most.

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bristol or Interlaken?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bristol, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Interlaken?

Bristol, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Interlaken?

Bristol is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Interlaken?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Bristol and Interlaken, 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 Bristol or Interlaken?

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 Bristol or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Interlaken. Many visitors come to Bristol in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bristol is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Interlaken averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bristol or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Interlaken. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in October than Interlaken. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bristol because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Bristol is much warmer than Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bristol or Interlaken in the Spring?

Both Interlaken and Bristol during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bristol is cooler than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Interlaken. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Bristol