A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamplona vs. Bergen for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Pamplona or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Bergen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona. Although Pamplona and Bergen are both popular with visitors, Pamplona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pamplona is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Bergen is known for its shopping and small town charm. Pamplona is more touristy than Bergen and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Pamplona different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pamplona or Bergen?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Pamplona and Bergen.

Pamplona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Is the Food Better in Pamplona or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona is an experience not to be missed. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Pamplona has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Pamplona and Bergen.

Many people head to Pamplona to see the old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Bergen has an old town worth visiting. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is Pamplona or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Bergen?

Bergen is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Bergen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Pamplona or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Pamplona or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Pamplona or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pamplona is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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

Is Pamplona or Bergen Better for Students?

Pamplona and Bergen are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Pamplona is a good city to visit for students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

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.

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

Bergen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bergen can get you to some places easily. 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.

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Pamplona or Bergen a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Bergen both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Pamplona Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Bergen?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bergen than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

One day in Pamplona or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Bergen offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Pamplona or Bergen?

Pamplona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bergen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Pamplona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bergen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle 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 Pamplona and Bergen, we can see that Pamplona 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Bergen?

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 Pamplona or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In the summer, Pamplona is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamplona in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Pamplona usually receives less rain than Bergen. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Pamplona during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Pamplona is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Bergen. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. Pamplona is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamplona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bergen. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Pamplona is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamplona in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Bergen. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Pamplona