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

Should you visit Hanoi or Bergen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Bergen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Hanoi travel costs.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bergen travel costs.

Hanoi and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hanoi is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Hanoi is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Hanoi different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi 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 Hanoi on the map. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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 Hanoi or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hanoi 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 Hanoi is an experience not to be missed. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Hanoi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

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 Hanoi or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi has a world-famous historical area. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Bergen?

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

Hanoi is a world class destination for shoppers. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Hanoi offers lots of family activities. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Hanoi or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Hanoi or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hanoi is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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

Is Hanoi or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

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

Bergen is well known for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bergen can get you around easily. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Bergen?

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

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Hanoi. 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 Bergen than Hanoi. 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

One day in Hanoi or Bergen?

Hanoi is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bergen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hanoi or Bergen?

Hanoi is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hanoi or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hanoi. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bergen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bergen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hanoi or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Hanoi. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, 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 Hanoi and Bergen, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia and Bergen is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen than you might in Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Bergen?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Bergen?

Bergen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hanoi is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Bergen. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Bergen. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. Hanoi is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Bergen. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hanoi or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Hanoi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Hanoi