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

Should you visit Istanbul or Bern?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Bern, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a historic, diverse, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more touristy than Bern and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Istanbul different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Istanbul or Bern?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Istanbul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul offers plenty to do in the evening. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu 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 Istanbul or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

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 the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Bern?

Both Istanbul and Bern are very good shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Istanbul or Bern Better for Families?

Istanbul and Bern are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bern is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Istanbul or Bern Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Bern are both very good to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Istanbul or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

Many backpackers visit Bern. 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 Istanbul or Bern Better for Students?

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

Istanbul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Istanbul has a great public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

The public transit in Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Is Istanbul or Bern a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Bern both are very good when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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 Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Bern. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Bern. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

Families should spend more time in Istanbul than Bern. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Istanbul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Istanbul or Bern?

Istanbul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful city of Bern offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Bern?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Bern?

Istanbul is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Bern?

Istanbul is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bern is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, 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 Istanbul and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Bern?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Bern?

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 Istanbul or Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Bern during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Bern. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Bern. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bern in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Bern. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Bern during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Bern. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Bern. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Bern. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and Istanbul