A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Bern for Nightlife, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Faro or Bern?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Bern, 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.

Faro

Faro is a popular, busy, and active resort town. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bern

Bern is a cultural, historic, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Bern are both popular with visitors, Faro has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bern is known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also home to The Arco da Vila. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Faro different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bern is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bern is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bern. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Faro is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Faro offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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

Is Faro or Bern Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Faro has a few good snorkeling spots. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Bern Better for Beaches?

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

Faro is a good option for a beach vacation. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

Many visitors go to Bern to see the historical old town. 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.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Bern?

Bern is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bern. 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.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Faro or Bern Better for Families?

Bern is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Bern is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Bern Better for Couples?

Bern is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

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.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for backpackers.

Bern is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Faro is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

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

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

Public transit in Bern is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Faro or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town 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.

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Faro?

How long in Faro or Bern?

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

Families should spend more time in Bern than Faro. 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 Faro. 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 Faro 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.

One day in Faro or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Faro. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Bern?

Faro is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Faro or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the busy destination of Faro. This resort town 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bern. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Bern?

The popular resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The historic city of Bern offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Bern?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro or Bern?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Faro or Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Faro is a little warmer than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Bern. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Bern. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Faro is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives more rain than Bern. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Bern in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Bern. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Bern. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty.

Faro is a little warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Bern. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Faro