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

Should you visit Granada or Bern?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bern

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

Granada and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Granada than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Granada is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bern is known for its shopping. Granada is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Granada different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bern 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 Bern?

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

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Granada that are not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Granada and Bern both to be good 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 Bern. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Granada or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Granada 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.

Granada offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Granada or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Granada is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Granada is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is Granada or Bern Better for Hiking?

Granada is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Bern?

Bern 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 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.

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 Bern Better for Families?

Bern 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.

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.

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 Bern Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Bern 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 Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Granada or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Bern are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Bern is a great city to visit for backpackers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Is Granada or Bern Better for Students?

Granada is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

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.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Bern a more walkable city?

Granada and Bern 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.

Bern is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Granada?

How long in Granada or Bern?

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

Families should spend more time in Bern than Granada. 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 Granada than Bern. 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 Bern 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 Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Granada. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bern, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bern?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

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

Five days in Granada or Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Granada. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bern is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bern?

The charming city of Granada offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Granada.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Bern?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Bern in the Summer?

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

Granada is a little warmer than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Bern. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern 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 Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Granada is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives more rain than Bern. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Bern. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Bern. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months.

Granada is a little warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Bern. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Granada