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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, high energy, and livable port city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Although Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen are popular destinations, Newcastle upon Tyne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Tyne Bridge. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Newcastle upon Tyne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Bergen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bergen. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen Better for Students?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bergen. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen. In our opinion, Newcastle upon Tyne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Bergen. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

In Bergen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Many people visit Bergen for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The destination of Bergen offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less rain than Bergen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. It's quite cold in Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 3°C (38°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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Bergen. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a little warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less rain than Bergen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Newcastle upon Tyne