A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Liverpool vs. Bern for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Liverpool or Bern?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Bern 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a historic, fun-filled, and diverse port city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and theater.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool and Bern: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Liverpool or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Liverpool than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Liverpool is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, and music, while Bern attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Liverpool is famous for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." It is also well known for The Liverpool Cathedral. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Liverpool different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Liverpool or Bern?

Liverpool
Bern

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bern. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.


Is Liverpool or Bern Better for Theater?

Liverpool
Bern

Liverpool is a well-known place for theatre. However, Bern is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Liverpool. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Bern is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Liverpool or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Liverpool
Bern

Bern is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bern. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool
Bern

Liverpool is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Liverpool offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.


Is Liverpool or Bern Better for Music?

Liverpool
Bern

Liverpool is renowned for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

Liverpool is a world class music destination. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Liverpool
Bern

Bern is well known for its old town. However, Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

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.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Bern?

Liverpool
Bern

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bern and Liverpool.

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bern. 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 Liverpool or Bern Better for Families?

Liverpool
Bern

Both Liverpool and Bern are excellent to visit with kids.

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bern. 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 Liverpool or Bern Better for Couples?

Liverpool
Bern

Bern is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Liverpool is a good port city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Is Liverpool or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool
Bern

Bern is well known for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bern is a great city to visit for backpackers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.


Is Liverpool or Bern Better for Students?

Liverpool
Bern

Liverpool is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Liverpool is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Bern is not popular with students.

Is Liverpool or Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Liverpool
Bern

Bern is well known for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Liverpool or Bern a more walkable city?

Liverpool
Bern

Liverpool and Bern both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

Bern is a very walkable destination. 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.


For even more information, also check out Is Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Liverpool and Bern. In our opinion, Bern has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bern than Liverpool. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Liverpool 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 Bern.


  • How many days in Liverpool or Bern? Ideal Length of Stay
    Liverpool 2-3 
    Bern 1-3

One day in Liverpool or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Liverpool. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Bern?

Liverpool is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Bern?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Liverpool. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Bern. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Liverpool or Bern?

The historic port city of Liverpool offers museums and theater. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern or Liverpool?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, while the average daily cost in Bern is £201. 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 Liverpool and Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liverpool £76
    Bern £130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liverpool £152
    Bern £260
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Liverpool or Bern? 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 Liverpool


Hotels in Bern


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: Liverpool Hotel Prices and Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liverpool £26
    Bern £27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • BUS Transfer to/from John Lennon Airport: $5.75
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Liverpool: $6.86
  • Liverpool Airport Arrival Private Transfer to Accommodation: $41
  • Liverpool to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Liverpool Cruise Port to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Liverpool Airport Transfer 1 to 10 Passengers One Way Transfer : $44
  • Private Departure Transfer from Liverpool City Center to Liverpool Airport (LPL): $47
  • Private Liverpool Departure Transfer - Liverpool Hotel / Accomm To Airport: $50
  • Private Liverpool Arrival Transfer:Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Hotel/Accomm: $50
  • Private Transfer from Stockton Heath to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Transfer from Knutsford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Liverpool Airport LPL in Business Car: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Liverpool or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern and Liverpool 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
    Liverpool £59
    Bern £48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

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

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liverpool £36
    Bern £27

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

Here are a few actual costs in Liverpool for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Liverpool Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.27
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Liverpool History and Culture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the River Mersey: $6.99
  • Liverpool’s Hidden Histories: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Discover Liverpool’s Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.56
  • Discover Liverpool’s Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.59
  • Albert Docks Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liverpool £13
    Bern £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

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

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56


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

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


Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Bern?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool and Bern, 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Bern. Many travelers come to Liverpool for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Liverpool is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 15°C (60°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bern. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Bern. Many visitors come to Liverpool in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Bern. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. In the winter, Liverpool is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Liverpool in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Bern during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Bern. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Liverpool during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In April, Liverpool is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 8°C (47°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Bern. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Liverpool

Liverpool Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)