A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Bergen for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Bergen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palma de Mallorca than Bergen. Palma de Mallorca is bigger than Bergen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca is an experience not to be missed. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Palma de Mallorca is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Palma de Mallorca. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for its resorts. However, Bergen is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Bergen is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Bergen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for the beach. However, Bergen is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Bergen is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca and Bergen both have notable historical old towns that attract visitors.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for visiting its old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Many people head to Bergen to see the old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Bergen are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Bergen can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palma de Mallorca and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than in Bergen. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bergen than Palma de Mallorca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bergen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bergen, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back city of Bergen, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nostalgic destination of Bergen. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bergen is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, 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 Palma de Mallorca and Bergen, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Bergen?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bergen. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Palma de Mallorca during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Bergen. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bergen. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Palma de Mallorca