A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kaunas vs. Bergen for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kaunas or Bergen?

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 Kaunas and Bergen. 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a young, vibrant, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and food.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kaunas and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kaunas than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kaunas is very popular for its big city activities, while Bergen attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Kaunas and is known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town. It is also well known for The Kaunas Old Town.

How is Kaunas different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bergen is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kaunas or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kaunas area. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

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 Kaunas or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Kaunas and Bergen.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

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 Kaunas or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the nice old town areas in both Kaunas and Bergen.

Kaunas offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

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 Kaunas or Bergen?

Bergen is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bergen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Kaunas is a family-friendly city. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Kaunas or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Kaunas and Bergen are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Kaunas or Bergen Better for Students?

Kaunas and Bergen are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Kaunas is a good city to visit for students. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for 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 Kaunas or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bergen. 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.

Kaunas has some public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

Is Kaunas or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Bergen?

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

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

One day in Kaunas or Bergen?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Kaunas or Bergen?

Kaunas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaunas. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. 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.

A week in Kaunas or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the young destination of Kaunas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Kaunas and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Kaunas Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Bergen?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Kaunas is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Bergen. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kaunas or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Kaunas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Kaunas is cooler than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Bergen. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Kaunas can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Bergen. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kaunas or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

Kaunas is a little warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Kaunas