A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. Bergen for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Copenhagen or Bergen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Bergen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a friendly, happy, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Copenhagen different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

For foodies, Copenhagen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Copenhagen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. 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 Copenhagen or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

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 Copenhagen or Bergen?

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

Copenhagen is a world class destination for shoppers. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Bergen Better for Families?

Copenhagen is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Copenhagen is a very family-friendly destination. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

Bergen is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Copenhagen or Bergen Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Copenhagen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Copenhagen or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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

Is Copenhagen or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Copenhagen is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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 Copenhagen or Bergen a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Copenhagen on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Bergen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

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

One day in Copenhagen or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Copenhagen or Bergen?

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bergen, 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.

Five days in Copenhagen or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. 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, 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.

A week in Copenhagen or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Copenhagen. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, 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 Copenhagen and Bergen, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Bergen?

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

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 Copenhagen or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Bergen. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Copenhagen is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Copenhagen is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Bergen. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bergen in the Winter?

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

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen is much colder than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bergen in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Copenhagen is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Bergen. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Copenhagen