A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Bern for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Bern?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Bern can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bern

Bern is a cultural, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Bern?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dubai than Bern. Dubai is bigger than Bern, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dubai is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Bern is more popular for its historical sights. Dubai is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Bern is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Bern is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Bern?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Bern and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bern can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Dubai is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Music?

Dubai is renowned for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

Dubai is a world class music destination. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Resorts?

Dubai is renowned for its resorts. However, Bern is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Bern?

Dubai is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Dubai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Bern.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Couples?

Bern is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bern is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Students?

Dubai is renowned for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Bern is not popular with students.

Is Dubai or Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bern is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Bern offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Bern is a very walkable destination. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Bern. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Bern. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai than Bern 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 Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Bern?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bern, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Dubai or Bern?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Dubai or Bern?

Dubai is a glamorous big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A week in Dubai or Bern?

Dubai is a glamorous city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

When comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Bern, we can see that Bern 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. Even though Dubai is in Middle East and Bern is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Bern?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Bern, 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 Dubai or Bern?

Bern has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Bern averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Bern. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Bern. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Bern in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Bern. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. Dubai is much warmer than Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Bern. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Bern averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Bern. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Bern and Dubai