A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Bern for Nightlife, Couples, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Marbella or Bern?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Bern, 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Bern are popular destinations, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Bern attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Marbella is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Marbella different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bern 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 Bern?

Bern is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bern can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Bern offer nice 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 Bern area. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Marbella or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Marbella is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Marbella or Bern Better for Music?

Marbella is a well-known place for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Marbella is very popular with diverse venues. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Bern Better for Resorts?

Marbella is renowned for its resorts. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Bern Better for Beaches?

Marbella is renowned for its beaches. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Bern to see the historical old town. 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Bern?

Marbella is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Marbella is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. 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 Marbella or Bern Better for Families?

Marbella and Bern 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.

Bern is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Marbella or Bern Better for Couples?

Marbella is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Marbella or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

Bern 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 Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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 Bern a more walkable city?

Marbella and Bern 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.

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 Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Bern?

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

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Bern. 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 Bern. 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 Bern than Marbella 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.

One day in Marbella or Bern?

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

The beautiful city of Bern offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Bern?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Bern 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled destination of Marbella. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bern 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 Bern?

The high energy resort town of Marbella offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marbella and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Marbella.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Bern?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella or Bern?

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 Bern in the Summer?

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

In July, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Bern. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern 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 Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Marbella is a little warmer than Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives more rain than Bern. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. In the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Bern. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Bern. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty.

In April, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Bern. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Marbella