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

Should you visit Marbella or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Bergen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Bergen?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its museums and small town charm. Marbella is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Marbella different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Bergen offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Marbella has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bergen area. 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 Marbella or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Bergen Better for Music?

Marbella is notable for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Bergen Better for Resorts?

Marbella is very popular for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Marbella is a great choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Bergen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Marbella a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Marbella is very popular for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Marbella. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Marbella and Bergen both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Bergen offers a nice historic old town area. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Bergen?

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

Marbella is a world class destination for shoppers. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Bergen Better for Families?

Marbella and Bergen are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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.

Is Marbella or Bergen Better for Couples?

Marbella is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Marbella makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Marbella or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Bergen are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Bergen is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Marbella or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Bergen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Bergen can get you around easily. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Bergen a more walkable city?

Marbella and Bergen are very good when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marbella and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marbella than in Bergen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marbella 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 Marbella.

One day in Marbella or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Marbella. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Bergen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Bergen?

Marbella 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bergen is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy destination of Marbella. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bergen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Marbella is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Marbella is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Bergen. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. Marbella is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marbella usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Bergen. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, Marbella is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Bergen. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Marbella