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

Should you visit Granada or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Granada or Bergen? 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.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Granada. Although Granada and Bergen are roughly the same size, Granada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Granada is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Granada is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Granada different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Granada on the map. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Granada and Bergen both to be notable destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Granada or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Granada has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Granada is very popular 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.

Granada has a world-famous historical area. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is Granada or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Granada is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Bergen?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bergen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Bergen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Bergen make for a high quality place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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.

Is Granada or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Granada is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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

Is Granada or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Bergen a more walkable city?

Granada and Bergen are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Granada?

How long in Granada or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Bergen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Granada. 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.

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

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

One day in Granada or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Granada. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Granada or Bergen?

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

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bergen has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Bergen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Granada. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, 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 Granada and Bergen, we can see that Granada 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 Granada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Granada 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 Granada Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Bergen?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada or Bergen?

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 Granada or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Bergen. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In July, Granada is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Granada usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Granada is much warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Bergen. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Granada usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Bergen. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Granada is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Bergen. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Granada