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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Bern?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palermo than Bern. Palermo is bigger than Bern, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palermo is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Bern is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Palermo different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bern is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Palermo 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, Palermo makes for a great culinary experience. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Palermo 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.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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

Is Palermo or Bern Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palermo has a few good snorkeling spots. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Bern Better for Beaches?

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

Palermo is considered a top beach destination. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Bern is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Bern?

Both Palermo and Bern are excellent shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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.

Is Palermo or Bern Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Bern are excellent to visit with kids.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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.

Is Palermo or Bern Better for Couples?

Bern is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bern is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Palermo or Bern Better for Students?

Palermo is a popular place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Palermo is a good city to visit for students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bern. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Bern a more walkable city?

Palermo and Bern both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bern or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palermo and Bern. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bern than Palermo. 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bern, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Palermo or Bern?

Palermo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Bern, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Bern?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the fun destination of Palermo. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bern is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Bern?

The colorful city of Palermo offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Palermo and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Bern?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palermo is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palermo in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Bern averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Bern during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Bern. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Palermo is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Bern. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Bern in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Bern. Most visitors come to Palermo 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. Palermo is much warmer than Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Bern during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bern. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Bern. The spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In the spring, Palermo is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palermo in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Bern averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Bern. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Bern. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and Palermo