A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Bergen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Lisbon or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Bergen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lisbon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Lisbon is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Lisbon different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Lisbon on the map. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Lisbon is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon or Bergen Better for Music?

Lisbon is very popular for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

In Lisbon you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a popular place for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Lisbon has a world-famous historical area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

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 Lisbon or Bergen?

Lisbon is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Lisbon is a world class destination for shoppers. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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.

Is Lisbon or Bergen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Bergen.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Bergen is 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.

Is Lisbon or Bergen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Bergen make for a high quality place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Bergen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Lisbon or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is very popular for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lisbon is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Lisbon or Bergen Better for Students?

Lisbon is notable for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do 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 Lisbon or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Lisbon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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.

Is Lisbon or Bergen a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Bergen?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Bergen 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Bergen?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 one day exploring.

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 Lisbon or Bergen?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Lisbon or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Lisbon or Bergen?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, 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 Lisbon and Bergen, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Bergen.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Bergen?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Bergen. The summer months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Lisbon is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Lisbon is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Bergen. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Bergen. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

Lisbon is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Bergen. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Lisbon