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

Should you visit Munich or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich 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.

Munich

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Munich and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Munich than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Munich is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bergen attracts visitors for its historical sights and small town charm. Munich is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also well known for The Nymphenburg Palace. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Munich different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Munich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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 Munich or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Munich is an experience not to be missed. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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 Munich or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Munich is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich or Bergen Better for Music?

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

In Munich you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

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

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Bergen?

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

Munich is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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 Munich or Bergen Better for Families?

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

Munich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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.

Is Munich or Bergen Better for Couples?

Munich and Bergen are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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.

Is Munich or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Munich is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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

Is Munich or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Munich. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great 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 Munich or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Munich 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.

Munich has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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 Munich or Bergen a more walkable city?

Munich and Bergen both are very good when exploring on foot.

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Munich?

How long in Munich or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Munich or Bergen?

Munich is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Munich or Bergen?

Munich 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 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 Munich or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Munich or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy big city of Munich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, 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 Munich and Bergen, we can see that Munich 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 Munich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Munich 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 Munich Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Munich or Bergen?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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 Munich or Bergen?

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 Munich or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Bergen. Many visitors come to Munich in the summer for the city activities, 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.

Munich is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Munich usually receives less rain than Bergen. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Munich as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Munich for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Munich is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Munich in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Munich usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Munich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Munich can be very cold. In January, Munich is generally much colder than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Munich average around -1°C (31°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Bergen. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Munich during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

Munich is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Munich usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Munich