A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Bern for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Bern?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Bern. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a tranquil, serene, and remote archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bern. Although Outer Hebrides and Bern are both popular with visitors, Bern has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bern is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Outer Hebrides is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Bern is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also home to The Zytglogge Clock Tower. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Bern?

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides 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, Outer Hebrides makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Bern is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bern Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Bern is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bern. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bern Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Bern?

Bern is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bern. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bern Better for Families?

Bern is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bern is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bern Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Bern both superb destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bern is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Is Outer Hebrides 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, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bern. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Bern is very walkable. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Bern. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Bern. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

Families should spend more time in Bern than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Bern?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bern is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the remote archipelago of Outer Hebrides. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bern. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, 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 Outer Hebrides and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Outer Hebrides much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Outer Hebrides would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Bern in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Bern. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Bern. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Bern. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Outer Hebrides in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Bern during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Bern. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bern in the Winter?

Both Bern and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bern can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Outer Hebrides is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 4°C (40°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Bern. Outer Hebrides gets 33 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 Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Bern in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Bern. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Bern during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bern. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Outer Hebrides