A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hamburg vs. Bergen for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hamburg or Bergen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hamburg is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Hamburg is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Hamburg different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Hamburg and Bergen.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

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 Hamburg or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Hamburg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg or Bergen Better for Music?

Hamburg is very popular for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Bergen offers a nice historic old town area. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Bergen?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bergen and Hamburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg or Bergen Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or Bergen.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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.

Is Hamburg or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg and Bergen are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Hamburg or Bergen Better for Students?

Hamburg and Bergen are nice places to visit for students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

It's common for students to 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 Hamburg or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hamburg and Bergen.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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 Hamburg or Bergen a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Bergen both are great when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Bergen?

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

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

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

One day in Hamburg or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Hamburg or Bergen?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, 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.

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 Hamburg or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of Hamburg. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Bergen, we can see that Hamburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Bergen?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Bergen. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Hamburg is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hamburg or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Bergen. The autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In the autumn, Hamburg is around the same temperature as Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hamburg in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. In January, Hamburg is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 0°C (33°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hamburg or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Hamburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

Hamburg is a little warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hamburg usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Hamburg