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

Should you visit Geneva or Bergen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Bergen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Bergen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Geneva than Bergen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Geneva is better known for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its small town charm. Geneva is well known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Also, Geneva is famous for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Geneva different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva 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.

Geneva offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Geneva is an experience not to be missed. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Bergen has a better nightlife scene.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Bergen has a few options to choose from. 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 Geneva or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Geneva and Bergen.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bergen. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Bergen?

Geneva is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Geneva is a world class destination for shoppers. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Geneva or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Geneva or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bergen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergen is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Bergen Better for Students?

Geneva is notable for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Geneva is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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

Geneva is very popular for its public transit. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Geneva has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Public transit in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Is Geneva or Bergen a more walkable city?

Geneva and Bergen both are superb when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

Bergen is a very walkable city. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva and Bergen. In our opinion, Geneva has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Geneva than Bergen. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Geneva. 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.

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

One day in Geneva or Bergen?

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Geneva or Bergen?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Geneva or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

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 Geneva or Bergen?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nostalgic 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, 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 Geneva and Bergen, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Bergen. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Bergen. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Bergen. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Geneva is much warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Geneva is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Bergen. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Geneva during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

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

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Geneva usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Geneva