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

Should you visit Dundee or Bern?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Bern? 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Bern: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Dundee or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dundee than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dundee is more popular for its big city activities, while Bern is known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bern is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also home to Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee
Bern

Bern is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


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

Dundee
Bern

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Bern can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

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 Dundee or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Bern

Both Dundee and Bern are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

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

Is Dundee or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Bern

Bern is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Bern?

Dundee
Bern

Bern is a well-known place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Bern Better for Families?

Dundee
Bern

Bern is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Dundee or Bern Better for Couples?

Dundee
Bern

Bern is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Bern

Bern is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Bern Better for Students?

Dundee
Bern

Dundee is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Dundee is a good city to visit for students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Dundee
Bern

Bern is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.


Is Dundee or Bern a more walkable city?

Dundee
Bern

Bern is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Bern is very walkable. 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.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Bern?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dundee or Bern? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Bern 1-3

One day in Dundee or Bern?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Bern?

Dundee 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.

Bern 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 Dundee or Bern?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Dundee or Bern?

The coastal city of Dundee offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Bern. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern or Dundee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Bern is £201. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dundee and Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Bern £130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Bern £260
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Bern? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dundee


Hotels in Bern


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dundee Hotel Prices and Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Bern £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern and Dundee change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dundee £47
    Bern £48
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Bern £27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83

Tours and Activities in Bern

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Bern £21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dundee and Bern, we can see that Dundee is more expensive. And not only is Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bern 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee than you might in Bern.

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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Bern?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee or Bern?

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 Dundee or Bern in the Summer?

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

Dundee is cooler than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives less rain than Bern. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Bern in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Dundee is cooler than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Bern. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Bern in the Winter?

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

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dundee. In January, Dundee is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 3°C (38°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Bern during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives more rain than Bern. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Bern. Many visitors come to Dundee in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months.

Dundee is much colder than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bern. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Dundee

Dundee Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)