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

Should you visit Cork 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 Cork 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.

Cork

Cork is a youthful, energetic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cork and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cork or Bergen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cork than Bergen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cork is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bergen is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Cork is well known for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. Also, Cork is famous for The Blarney Castle and Stone. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Cork different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cork 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.

Cork offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

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 Cork or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cork 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 Cork is an experience not to be missed. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Cork has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Cork or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Cork does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bergen to see the historical old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cork or Bergen?

Both Cork and Bergen are excellent shopping destinations.

Cork is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Bergen is well-known for its shopping. 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 Cork or Bergen Better for Families?

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

Bergen is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Cork or Bergen Better for Couples?

Both Cork and Bergen are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cork and Bergen are notable destinations for backpackers.

Cork is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Cork or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Cork is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

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

Bergen is notable for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bergen can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Cork or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Cork?

How long in Cork or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cork and Bergen. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Cork or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cork. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Cork or Bergen?

Cork 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.

Bergen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Cork or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cork. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Bergen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cork or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the seaside destination of Cork. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The laid back city of Bergen offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Cork and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Cork Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cork or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Cork 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 Cork 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 Cork or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Cork are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cork 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 July, Cork is generally around the same temperature as Bergen. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Cork usually receives less rain than Bergen. Cork gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cork or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Cork during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cork in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Cork is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cork usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Cork gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cork and Bergen. Most visitors come to Cork for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. In the winter, Cork is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cork in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cork gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cork usually receives less rain than Bergen. Cork gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cork or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cork as well as Bergen. The spring months attract visitors to Cork because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In April, Cork is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 9°C (48°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Cork usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Cork gets 55 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 Cork