A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nottingham vs. Bern for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Nottingham or Bern?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Bern can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a dynamic, livable, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Bern: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nottingham is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Bern is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Nottingham different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Bern?

Nottingham
Bern

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bern. 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.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.


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

Nottingham
Bern

Both Nottingham and Bern offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

Nottingham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in 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 Nottingham or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Bern

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Bern.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

If you're looking for night time activities Bern has a few options to choose from. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is Nottingham or Bern Better for Music?

Nottingham
Bern

Nottingham is a popular place for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Nottingham is active and vibrant. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Bern is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Nottingham
Bern

Bern is well known for its historic old town. However, Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Bern is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Bern?

Nottingham
Bern

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bern and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

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 Nottingham or Bern Better for Families?

Nottingham
Bern

Bern is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bern is 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.

Nottingham offers lots of family activities. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.


Is Nottingham or Bern Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Bern

Bern is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Nottingham or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nottingham
Bern

Bern is well known for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Nottingham
Bern

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Bern.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Public transit in Bern can get you to some places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.


Is Nottingham or Bern a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Bern

Nottingham and Bern both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

Bern is a very walkable 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 Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Bern?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Nottingham 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.


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

One day in Nottingham or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Bern, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Bern?

Nottingham is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bern, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Nottingham or Bern?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Nottingham. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bern, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Bern?

The cultural city of Nottingham offers shopping and museums. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle 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 Nottingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, 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 Nottingham and Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Bern £130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Bern £260
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham 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 Nottingham


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Bern £27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Bern £48

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.
    Nottingham £28
    Bern £27

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $13
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $25
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $89
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $114
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Bern £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Bern?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Bern?

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 Nottingham or Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Bern. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Nottingham is cooler than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Bern. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Bern. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nottingham is cooler than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nottingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Bern. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bern. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. Nottingham can be very cold during winter. In January, Nottingham is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bern during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Bern. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Nottingham during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

Nottingham is cooler than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Bern. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Nottingham

Nottingham Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)