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

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.

Is Istanbul or Bern Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Both Istanbul and Bern have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bern. Visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and Bern Cathedral.

Is Istanbul or Bern Better for Food?

Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant options in Istanbul a bit more than Bern.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

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?

Evening events are similar in both Istanbul and Bern.

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub.

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 and Bern both have historical old towns that attract visitors.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Bern is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Istanbul or Bern Better for Shopping?

Both Istanbul and Bern are 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 fun destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks.

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 fun 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.

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?

Both Istanbul and Bern are popular destinations for backpackers.

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 Public Transit?

Both Istanbul and Bern offer public transit options.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Bern has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Is Istanbul or Bern a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Bern both are comparable 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.

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 Bern.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Istanbul is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Bern is 1-3 days.

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 beautiful 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.

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 temperature in Istanbul is usually 24°C (74°F) in July, and Bern stays 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 are around 16°C (61°F), and Bern is 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. Temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Bern stays 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 temperature in Istanbul is usually 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bern stays 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