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

Should you visit Brussels or Bergen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Bergen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Bergen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Bergen. Brussels is bigger than Bergen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Bergen is more popular for its small town charm. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Brussels is an experience not to be missed. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Bergen.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

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 Brussels or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

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 Brussels or Bergen?

Brussels is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Brussels or Bergen Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Bergen are superb family-friendly destinations.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bergen is very family-friendly. 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 Brussels or Bergen Better for Couples?

Brussels and Bergen both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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

Is Brussels or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels is very popular for its public transit. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Brussels or Bergen a more walkable city?

Brussels and Bergen both are superb when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Brussels or Bergen?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Brussels or Bergen?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Brussels or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Brussels or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Brussels. 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.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Brussels and Bergen, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Bergen?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Bergen. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than Bergen. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Bergen. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Brussels is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Brussels is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Bergen. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

In April, Brussels is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Brussels