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

Should you visit Bucharest or Interlaken?

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 Bucharest and Interlaken. 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a charming, historical, and less touristy 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 adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Bucharest and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bucharest. Although Bucharest and Interlaken are popular destinations, Bucharest has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bucharest is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also well known for The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bucharest or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Bucharest is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. 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.

Bucharest is not a skiing destination.

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

Bucharest is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Bucharest is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Interlaken is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bucharest. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bucharest or Interlaken Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest is very good for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Bucharest is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Bucharest or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Interlaken?

Bucharest is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bucharest. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bucharest or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. 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!

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Interlaken are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Interlaken. 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Interlaken.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Interlaken offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Bucharest or Interlaken a more walkable city?

Bucharest and Interlaken both are nice when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Interlaken?

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

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than Bucharest. 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 Bucharest. 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 Bucharest than Interlaken 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 Bucharest.

One day in Bucharest or Interlaken?

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

You'll find skiing and food around the town of Interlaken. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Interlaken?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bucharest, 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.

You'll find food and skiing around the breathtaking destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Interlaken?

Bucharest, 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.

You'll find skiing and food around the stunning town of Interlaken. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Interlaken?

Bucharest 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.

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, 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 Bucharest and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Bucharest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bucharest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bucharest 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 Bucharest.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Interlaken?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Interlaken?

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 Bucharest or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Interlaken. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bucharest this time of the year. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Bucharest during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Bucharest can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Interlaken. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

In April, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Bucharest