A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Bern for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Bern?

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 Isle of Skye and Bern. 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.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a dramatic, scenic, and picturesque island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Isle of Skye and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bern. Although Isle of Skye and Bern are both popular with visitors, Bern has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bern is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Isle of Skye is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also home to The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Isle of Skye different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Bern?

Bern is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bern. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Isle of Skye makes for a great culinary experience. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Isle of Skye or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Bern is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Bern Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Isle of Skye is considered a top beach destination. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Bern Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Bern?

Bern is a very popular place for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Bern Better for Families?

Bern is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Bern Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Bern both superb destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye and Bern are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Bern is a great island 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 Isle of Skye or Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bern is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

Bern is very walkable. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isle of Skye and Bern. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye than in Bern. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Isle of Skye 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 Bern.

One day in Isle of Skye or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Bern?

Isle of Skye is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Bern is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the dramatic destination of Isle of Skye. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Bern?

The scenic island of Isle of Skye offers 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.

Bern is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Isle of Skye and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Isle of Skye much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isle of Skye would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Bern?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Bern. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Bern. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Bern. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Isle of Skye is cooler than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Isle of Skye in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Bern during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Bern. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Isle of Skye during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bern can be very cold during winter. Isle of Skye can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Isle of Skye is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 4°C (40°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Bern. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Bern. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bern during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bern. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Isle of Skye