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

Should you visit Seoul or Bern?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Bern can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seoul and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seoul is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bern attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Seoul is famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also well known for Gyeongbokgung Palace. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Seoul different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Seoul and Bern.

Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

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.

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

Seoul is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

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 Seoul or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Seoul 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.

Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

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

Is Seoul or Bern Better for Music?

Seoul is renowned for live music. However, Bern is not a live music destination.

Seoul is a world class music destination. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Bern is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Bern is a well-known place for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Bern?

Seoul is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Seoul is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. 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 Seoul or Bern Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Bern.

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bern. 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 Seoul or Bern Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Bern are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

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.

Is Seoul or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bern is a great city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

Is Seoul or Bern Better for Students?

Seoul is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Seoul has a great public transit system. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

The public transit in Bern can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Is Seoul or Bern a more walkable city?

Seoul and Bern both are great when exploring on foot.

Seoul is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

Bern is a very walkable destination. 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 Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Bern?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Bern. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Bern. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bern.

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Bern. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul 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 Seoul.

One day in Seoul or Bern?

Seoul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Seoul or Bern?

Seoul is a fun place to experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Seoul or Bern?

Seoul is a high energy big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bern is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Seoul or Bern?

Seoul is a modern city where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, 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 Seoul and Bern, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Bern is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Bern?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul or Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Seoul. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Bern. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seoul or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and Seoul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

Seoul is a little warmer than Bern in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Seoul usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bern. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Bern in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Bern. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Bern. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Bern averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Bern during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Bern. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seoul or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Bern. Many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Bern. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Bern. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and Seoul