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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Bergamo?

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 Carcassonne and Bergamo. 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a historical, fascinating, and beautiful city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Bergamo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bergamo. Although Carcassonne and Bergamo are popular destinations, Bergamo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bergamo is very popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Carcassonne is more touristy than Bergamo and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Bergamo is famous for its historical buildings and beautiful squares. It is also well known for Piazza Vecchia.

How is Carcassonne different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carcassonne or Bergamo?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.


Is the Food Better in Carcassonne or Bergamo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Both Carcassonne and Bergamo offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bergamo. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Carcassonne or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Bergamo is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Visitors enjoy the nice old town areas in both Carcassonne and Bergamo.

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Many people head to Bergamo to see the old town. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.


Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Bergamo?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Bergamo is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bergamo. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Bergamo Better for Families?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Carcassonne is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Carcassonne or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Carcassonne and Bergamo both nice destinations for a couple.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Bergamo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.


Is Carcassonne or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

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

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Bergamo is a good town to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Carcassonne or Bergamo Better for Students?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Bergamo is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Is Carcassonne or Bergamo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Carcassonne and Bergamo.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

You'll find some public transit in Bergamo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.


Is Carcassonne or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Carcassonne
Bergamo

Carcassonne is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Carcassonne on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Bergamo?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than Bergamo 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 Carcassonne.


  • How many days in Carcassonne or Bergamo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Carcassonne 1-2 
    Bergamo 2-3

One day in Carcassonne or Bergamo?

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Bergamo. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Bergamo?

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Carcassonne has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Bergamo. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Carcassonne or Bergamo?

Carcassonne is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The beautiful city of Bergamo offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergamo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bergamo or Carcassonne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Carcassonne is €106, while the average daily cost in Bergamo is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Carcassonne and Bergamo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Carcassonne 61
    Bergamo 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Carcassonne 122
    Bergamo 166
Compare Hotels in Carcassonne and Bergamo

Looking for a hotel in Carcassonne or Bergamo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Carcassonne


Hotels in Bergamo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Carcassonne Hotel Prices and Bergamo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Carcassonne 7.14
    Bergamo 32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergamo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergamo:

  • Venice, piazzale Roma to Bergamo Airport(BGY)- Departure Transfer: $166
  • Transfer from Bergamo Airport to Koper: $255
  • Small-Group Transfer from Bergamo Airport to Trieste: $267
  • Private Departure Transfer from central Bergamo to Milan Malpensa airport: $261
  • Milan: Orio al Serio BGY Airport Transfer SEDAN CAR E CLASS: $181
  • Milan: ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer in Luxury MINIVAN: $222
  • Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) to St. Moritz - Round-Trip Transfer: $205
  • MILAN - ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer Luxury: MASERATI: $326
  • Private Transfer to/from Crespi d'Adda UNESCO Site: $43
  • AC Bus transfer to Milan - No Hassle & Free luggage: $11
  • Bergamo to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Bergamo Airport (BGY): Private Transfer to/from Milan: $402

Is it cheaper to fly into Carcassonne or Bergamo?

Prices for flights to both Bergamo and Carcassonne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Carcassonne 39
    Bergamo 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergamo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergamo.

  • Authentic Taste at the Table Family Recipes Cooking Class: $81
  • Tricolor Pasta Cooking Class with a Chef in Como countryside: $86
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Palazzago with cooking demo: $92
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Guardamiglio with Show Cooking: $92
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Busto Arsizio with Show Cooking: $92
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Laveno - Mombello with Show Cooking: $92
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Giarre with Show Cooking: $92
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Fino Mornasco with Show Cooking: $92
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lomello with Show Cooking: $92
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Mariano Comense with Show Cooking: $92
  • 3.5-Hour Traditional Food Tour: $95
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Bergamo Traditional food tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Carcassonne 14
    Bergamo 33

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Tours and Activities in Bergamo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergamo are as follows:

  • Guided tour with tasting: $21
  • 2.5-hour Private Bergamo Walking Tour: $119
  • Bergamo : Highlights Private Walking Tour: $70
  • Bergamo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Bergamo Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.52
  • Bergamo Old Town Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt Tour: $5.35
  • Bergamo Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Bergamo Private Walking Tour: $163
  • Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.98
  • Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Bergamo private guided tour: $155
  • 2.5-Hour Private Tour of the Lower Town: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Carcassonne 13
    Bergamo 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471

Sample the Local Flavors in Bergamo

Also in Bergamo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in Oltrepò: $42
  • E-Bike Tour with wine tasting from Polpenazze on Lake Garda: $87
  • Delightful Deluxe Cheese and Wine Tasting from Lake Como : $130
  • Lake Como: Wellness Spa experience with wine tasting : $163


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

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


Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne and Bergamo, 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 Carcassonne or Bergamo?

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 Carcassonne or Bergamo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Bergamo. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergamo for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Bergamo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Bergamo averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Bergamo. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F) 
    Bergamo 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bergamo in the Autumn?

Both Bergamo and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergamo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Carcassonne is generally a little warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. In October, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F) 
    Bergamo 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bergamo in the Winter?

Both Bergamo and Carcassonne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergamo in the winter. Carcassonne is much warmer than Bergamo in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bergamo fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Bergamo. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Bergamo. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F) 
    Bergamo 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bergamo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Bergamo. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergamo for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Bergamo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Bergamo averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo during spring. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F) 
    Bergamo 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Carcassonne

Carcassonne Bergamo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)