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

Should you visit Dijon or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Dijon or Bergen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. 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.

Dijon and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dijon or Bergen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dijon than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Dijon, Dijon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dijon is better known for its museums, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Dijon is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. Also, Dijon is famous for The Ducal Palace. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Dijon different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dijon 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.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon 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, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Dijon and Bergen.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

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 Dijon or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Bergen?

Bergen is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bergen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Dijon or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon 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.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Dijon or Bergen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dijon and Bergen make for a high quality place to visit.

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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 Dijon or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dijon and Bergen are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

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

Is Dijon or Bergen Better for Students?

Dijon and Bergen are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Dijon is a good city to visit for students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Bergen is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Dijon or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon 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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dijon and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dijon than in Bergen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Dijon. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergen than Dijon 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 Bergen.

One day in Dijon or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dijon. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bergen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dijon or Bergen?

Dijon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dijon or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

Bergen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bergen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dijon or Bergen?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, 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 Dijon and Bergen, we can see that Dijon 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 Dijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dijon 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 Dijon Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Dijon 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 Dijon 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 Dijon or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dijon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In July, Dijon is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 21°C (70°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Dijon usually receives less rain than Bergen. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dijon or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Dijon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Dijon is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dijon usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Bergen. Many travelers come to Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dijon. In the winter, Dijon is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dijon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dijon usually receives less rain than Bergen. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dijon or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Dijon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Dijon is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 11°C (53°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Dijon usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Dijon