A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cinque Terre vs. Bergamo for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Bergamo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a historical, fascinating, and beautiful city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Bergamo are both popular with visitors, Cinque Terre has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cinque Terre is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergamo is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Bergamo and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Bergamo is popular for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

Bergamo is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Bergamo is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Bergamo is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Bergamo is not a resort destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bergamo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Bergamo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its old town. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. 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 Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

Bergamo is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Families?

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

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

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 Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Bergamo is a good coastal region for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre and Bergamo are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Bergamo is a good coastal region 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 Cinque Terre or Bergamo Better for Students?

Bergamo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cinque Terre and Bergamo.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

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 Cinque Terre or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting? and Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bergamo, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Bergamo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bergamo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bergamo is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Cinque Terre and Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre or Bergamo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Bergamo. The summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.

In July, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 24°C (75°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 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 Cinque Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Bergamo. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets less rain in July than Bergamo. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bergamo in the Autumn?

Both Bergamo and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergamo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cinque Terre is a little warmer than Bergamo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Bergamo fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 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. It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In October, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bergamo in the Winter?

Both Bergamo and Cinque Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergamo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergamo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cinque Terre is much warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cinque Terre in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Bergamo averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in January than Bergamo. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bergamo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Bergamo. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergamo for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cinque Terre is generally a little warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 14°C (57°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Cinque Terre