A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Le Mans vs. Bergen for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Le Mans or Bergen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Le Mans and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Le Mans or Bergen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bergen than Le Mans. Bergen is bigger than Le Mans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bergen is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Also, Bergen is famous for Bryggen. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Le Mans different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Le Mans or Bergen?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Le Mans or Bergen.

Le Mans is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Bergen is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Le Mans or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Le Mans and Bergen.

If you're looking for night time activities Le Mans has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Le Mans or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is very good for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Le Mans or Bergen?

Bergen is great for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Le Mans or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Bergen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Le Mans or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Bergen is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Le Mans or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Le Mans and Bergen are notable places to visit.

Le Mans is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Le Mans or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

Is Le Mans or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bergen is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Le Mans or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Le Mans and Bergen. In our opinion, Bergen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bergen than Le Mans. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Bergen?

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

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Le Mans or Bergen?

Le Mans 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.

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bergen has to offer.

Five days in Le Mans or Bergen?

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

Bergen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Le Mans or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the small destination of Le Mans. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Le Mans and Bergen, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen than you might in Le Mans.

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

Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Bergen?

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 Le Mans or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Le Mans during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Le Mans is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 19°C (66°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Le Mans usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Bergen. The autumn months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Le Mans is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Bergen. Le Mans gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Le Mans or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Bergen. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. It's quite cold in Le Mans in the winter. In the winter, Le Mans is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Le Mans in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Le Mans usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Le Mans is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 10°C (50°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Bergen. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Le Mans