A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dublin vs. Bergen for Nightlife, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Dublin or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Bergen, 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Dublin is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Dublin different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin 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.

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Dublin and Bergen.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Bergen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Dublin or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin or Bergen Better for Music?

Dublin is notable for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Dublin 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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

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 Dublin or Bergen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bergen and Dublin.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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 Dublin or Bergen Better for Families?

Dublin and Bergen are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bergen. 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 Dublin or Bergen Better for Couples?

Dublin and Bergen are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Bergen is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Dublin or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dublin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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

Is Dublin or Bergen Better for Students?

Dublin and Bergen are good places to visit for students.

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

It's common for students to 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 Dublin or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bergen is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bergen can get you around easily. 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.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Dublin or Bergen a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dublin or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. 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.

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

A weekend in Dublin or Bergen?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Bergen 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.

Five days in Dublin or Bergen?

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

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

A week in Dublin or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the welcoming destination of Dublin. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Bergen?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Bergen. Many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dublin is around the same temperature as Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dublin usually receives less rain than Bergen. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Dublin is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. Dublin is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Dublin usually receives less rain than Bergen. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Dublin during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, Dublin is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Dublin gets 51 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 Dublin