A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Bergamo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Kos or Bergamo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Bergamo 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.

Kos

Kos is a beautiful, ancient, and cultural island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a historical, fascinating, and beautiful city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Kos or Bergamo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Bergamo are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bergamo attracts visitors for its historical sights. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Bergamo is famous for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

How is Kos different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Bergamo?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is an amazing island to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kos are among the most recognizable in the world. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.


Is the Food Better in Kos or Bergamo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is an amazing island to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Kos has plenty to do after the sun goes down. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Resorts?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Bergamo is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Bergamo is not a resort destination.


Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bergamo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Kos specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Bergamo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is an amazing island to visit for the beache. However, Bergamo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kos are among the best in the world. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Bergamo

Bergamo is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Bergamo is a good destination for visiting its old town. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Kos does not have a historic old town.


Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Hiking?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Kos has hiking trails worth exploring. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Bergamo?

Kos
Bergamo

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kos and Bergamo.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Bergamo offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Families?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Kos is a family-friendly place to visit. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.


Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Kos is a very popular place to visit for couples. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Bergamo is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Bergamo is a good island to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Students?

Kos
Bergamo

Bergamo is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Kos is not popular with students.


Is Kos or Bergamo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kos
Bergamo

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

Kos has some very good public transit options. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Kos or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Kos
Bergamo

Kos and Bergamo are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Bergamo is a very walkable island. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Kos?

How long in Kos or Bergamo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos than Bergamo 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 Kos.


  • How many days in Kos or Bergamo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Bergamo 2-3

One day in Kos or Bergamo?

In Kos, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Bergamo, there's plenty to do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Kos or Bergamo?

In Kos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kos has to offer.

Many people visit Bergamo for a weekend. With food and shopping around the under-rated city of Bergamo, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Bergamo?

Kos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Bergamo offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Kos or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Kos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bergamo, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bergamo or Kos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Bergamo is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kos and Bergamo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Bergamo 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Bergamo 166
Compare Hotels in Kos and Bergamo

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Bergamo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kos


Hotels in Bergamo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kos Hotel Prices and Bergamo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Bergamo 32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Minivan Transfer to Therma Natural Spa Beach: $24
  • Lido Water Park Admission Ticket with Transfers: $24
  • Paradise Beach Return Transfer: $25
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer from Kos Airport to Resorts: $30
  • Kos Private Transfer Services: $52
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $59
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • From Kalymnos Self-Guided Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergamo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergamo:

  • Small-Group Transfer from Bergamo Airport to Trieste: $268
  • Private Transfer from Milan Bergamo Airport to Bergamo hotels : $46
  • Private Departure Transfer from central Bergamo to Milan Malpensa airport: $262
  • Orio al Serio Airport to Madonna di Campiglio Arrival Transfer: $117
  • Milan: Orio al Serio BGY Airport Transfer SEDAN CAR E CLASS: $181
  • Milan: ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer in Luxury MINIVAN: $222
  • Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) to St. Moritz - Round-Trip Transfer: $205
  • Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Venice + Water Taxi - Private Transfer: $218
  • MILAN - ORIO AL SERIO BGY Airport Transfer Luxury: MASERATI: $326
  • Private Transfer to/from Crespi d'Adda UNESCO Site: $43
  • AC Bus transfer to Milan - No Hassle & Free luggage: $11
  • Bergamo to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Bergamo?

Prices for flights to both Bergamo and Kos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kos 43
    Bergamo 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Kefalos Sunset Cruise from Kos with Dinner: $61
  • Sunset Cruise with Swimming and BBQ Dinner: $62
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $65
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $86
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $90
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $95
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $97
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $117

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergamo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergamo.

  • Authentic Taste at the Table Family Recipes Cooking Class: $82
  • Tricolor Pasta Cooking Class with a Chef in Como countryside: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lomello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casorezzo with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Carugo with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Ranica with cooking demo: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Endine Gaiano with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cantù with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Busto Arsizio with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Passirano with cooking demo: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Guardamiglio with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cernusco sul Naviglio with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Bergamo 33

Tours and Activities in Kos

For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $8.02
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.02
  • Kos Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops: $21
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $29
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $32
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $32
  • Kos Island: 3-Island Wooden Ship Cruise w/ Lunch: $32
  • 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming: $32
  • Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33

Tours and Activities in Bergamo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergamo are as follows:

  • 2.5-hour Private Bergamo Walking Tour: $120
  • Bergamo : Highlights Private Walking Tour: $70
  • Bergamo : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • Bergamo Old Town Scavenger Hunt and Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Bergamo Old Town Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt Tour: $5.35
  • Bergamo Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Bergamo Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.94
  • Bergamo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Bergamo private guided tour: $156
  • Bergamo sightseeings tour. Magic of medieval town.: $273
  • 2.5-Hour Private Tour of the Lower Town: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Bergamo 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $59
  • From Tour of 2 Wineries with Wine Tasting & Small Bites: $63
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $150

Sample the Local Flavors in Bergamo

Also in Bergamo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Food and Wine tasting of Valtenesi and Lugana: $46
  • Lake Como: Wellness Spa experience with wine tasting : $163


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


Which is Bigger, Kos or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Bergamo, 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.