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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern?

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 Bern 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Bern: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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

You'll generally find more things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne than Bern. Newcastle upon Tyne is bigger than Bern, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its food and nightlife, while Bern is more popular for its impressive beauty. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for The Tyne Bridge. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Bern and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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.


Is the Food Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

Newcastle upon Tyne and Bern are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

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

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.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

Bern 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 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.

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 Bern Better for Couples?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

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

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.

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 Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

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.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

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

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 Bern. There are trams and buses that run around town.


Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Bern

Newcastle upon Tyne is renowned for its walkability. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

Bern is a very walkable port city. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Bern. 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 Bern. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

Families should spend more time in Bern than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.


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

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bern, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bern?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Many people visit Bern for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The beautiful destination of Bern offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern?

The historical port city of Newcastle upon Tyne offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Newcastle upon Tyne is £130, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newcastle upon Tyne £51
    Bern £130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newcastle upon Tyne £102
    Bern £260
Compare Hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne


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: Newcastle upon Tyne Hotel Prices and Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £12
    Bern £27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Newcastle upon Tyne:


  • Parking
    £1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle upon Tyne

Also for Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Private Newcastle Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $55
  • Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Round-Trip Transfer: $65
  • Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $104

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern and Newcastle upon Tyne 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
    Newcastle upon Tyne £68
    Bern £48
Typical Food Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee (2)
    £4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Ultimate Cheese & Wine Food Tour: $83
  • Newcastle Street Food Tour: $88
  • A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour: $89
  • Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour: $191

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.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £17
    Bern £27

Tours and Activities in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hadrian's Wall: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the Ruins: $5.20
  • Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket: $16
  • Private Bike Tour of Berwick: $19
  • Newcastle Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Sunderland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour: $23
  • 1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour: $23
  • 1-Hour and a Half Walking Guided Tour in Medieval Newcastle: $25
  • Guided Walks and Tours, Seahouses, Beadnell & Bamburgh: $29
  • Northumberland Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Halloween Special: Newcastle's Dark Side Walking Tour: $32
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne: $38

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $627
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $592
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $161
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $459
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $534
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $334
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newcastle upon Tyne £9.43
    Bern £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle upon Tyne:

  • Private Newcastle Pub Tour: $191
  • Newcastle Private Historic Pub Tour: $203


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

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 Bern Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Bern. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Bern averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Bern. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Bern. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newcastle upon Tyne 15°C (59°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

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

Both Bern 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 natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Bern. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Bern during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Bern. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newcastle upon Tyne 10°C (49°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

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

Both Bern 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. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. It's quite cold in Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. Newcastle upon Tyne is a little warmer than Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Bern. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newcastle upon Tyne 3°C (38°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Bern. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bern averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Bern during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Bern. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newcastle upon Tyne 7°C (45°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)