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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Bern?

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

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.

Palma de Mallorca and Bern: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Bern is known for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also home to the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Palma de Mallorca 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, Palma de Mallorca makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Palma de Mallorca is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bern Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Palma de Mallorca is very popular with diverse venues. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bern Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a resort destination.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bern Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is renowned for its beaches. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a beach destination.

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

Bern is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bern Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern 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.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bern?

Bern 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 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.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bern Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Bern 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.

Bern is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bern Better for Couples?

Bern 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.

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.

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 Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Bern are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Bern is a great island to visit for backpackers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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

Bern 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 Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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 Bern a more walkable city?

Bern 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.

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.

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 Bern Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Bern?

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

Families should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Bern. 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 Bern than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca than Bern 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 Bern?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bern, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Bern?

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Bern, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bern?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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.

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

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

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 Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Bern?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bern in the Summer?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bern. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bern. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Bern 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 Bern because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives more rain than Bern. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Bern 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bern in the winter. In January, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bern. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Bern. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Bern. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bern for the natural beauty.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bern. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bern and Palma de Mallorca