A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Strasbourg vs. Bergen for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Strasbourg or Bergen?

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 Strasbourg and Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Bergen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Strasbourg than Bergen. Strasbourg is bigger than Bergen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Strasbourg is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its small town charm. Strasbourg is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Also, Strasbourg is famous for The Strasbourg Cathedral. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Strasbourg different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Strasbourg
Bergen

Strasbourg is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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.


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

Strasbourg
Bergen

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Strasbourg
Bergen

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Strasbourg and Bergen.

If you're looking for night time activities Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Strasbourg or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg
Bergen

Strasbourg is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.


Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Bergen?

Strasbourg
Bergen

If you're looking to go shopping, Strasbourg and Bergen both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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.

Is Strasbourg or Bergen Better for Families?

Strasbourg
Bergen

Bergen is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Bergen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Strasbourg or Bergen Better for Couples?

Strasbourg
Bergen

Both Strasbourg and Bergen are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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.


Is Strasbourg or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Strasbourg
Bergen

For backpackers, both Strasbourg and Bergen are notable places to visit.

Strasbourg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Strasbourg or Bergen Better for Students?

Strasbourg
Bergen

For students, both Strasbourg and Bergen are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Bergen is a good city to visit for students. 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 Strasbourg or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Strasbourg
Bergen

Strasbourg and Bergen both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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.


Is Strasbourg or Bergen a more walkable city?

Strasbourg
Bergen

Strasbourg and Bergen are great when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Strasbourg and Bergen. In our opinion, Strasbourg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Strasbourg than Bergen. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Strasbourg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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


  • How many days in Strasbourg or Bergen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Strasbourg 2-3 
    Bergen 1-3

One day in Strasbourg or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back city of Bergen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bergen, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Bergen?

Strasbourg 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bergen, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Strasbourg or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Strasbourg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Strasbourg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bergen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Strasbourg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Strasbourg is €138, while the average daily cost in Bergen is €102. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Strasbourg and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Strasbourg 67
    Bergen 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Strasbourg 134
    Bergen 126
Compare Hotels in Strasbourg and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Strasbourg or Bergen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Strasbourg


Hotels in Bergen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Strasbourg Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Strasbourg 44
    Bergen 9.05

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

Also for Strasbourg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $58
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Strasbourg Train Station to Hotel: $64
  • Door-to-Door private transfer and driver from Strasbourg to Basel: $233
  • Private Transfer Strasbourg to Europa Park: $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $443
  • From Private Transfer to Voss: $362
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Solstrand Hotel transfer: $286
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Panorama Hotel & Resort transfer: $286
  • Private Bergen Airport Transfer to or from Bergen City: $251
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $233
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen City by Minibus: $198
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minibus: $198
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $192
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $177
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $172
  • Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Strasbourg or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Strasbourg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Strasbourg 44
    Bergen 29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

For Strasbourg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Strasbourg Private Food Tour: experience the city like a local!: $93
  • Strasbourg Food Tour : Gourmet private Tour with tastings: $102
  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Strasbourg 24
    Bergen 15

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Strasbourg.

  • Self-Guided Photo Tour with Photobook: $0.86
  • Strasbourg : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Tour of Strasbourg’s Grand Île: $6.39
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Strasbourg сity tour: audioguide in your smartphone: $7.49
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Strasbourg: $7.65
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt City Tour: $8.02
  • Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $9.84
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10

Tours and Activities in Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Bergen: $55
  • 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $121
  • 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $148
  • Authentic Private Walking Tour of Bergen: $96
  • Bergen 3-Hour Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Bergen Cruise - Guided City & Harbor Sightseeing: $36
  • Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $206
  • Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams - All year: $55
  • Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams - All year: $55
  • Bergen Fjord Experience Aboard Viking-style Ship: $84
  • Bergen Golden Circle Fjortour by Minibus: $5.00
  • Bergen Guided Tour by Minibus (with Photo stops) & Bryggen Walk: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Strasbourg 19
    Bergen 6.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Aperitif at the winemaker with cellar visit and wine tasting in Alsace: $11
  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $38
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $118
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $120
  • Strasbourg : Wine Tour by bike with a local: $150
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $545


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Strasbourg and Bergen, we can see that Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Bergen?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Strasbourg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Strasbourg is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 20°C (68°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Strasbourg usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Strasbourg 20°C (68°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Bergen. The autumn months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Strasbourg is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Strasbourg 12°C (53°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Bergen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. It's quite cold in Strasbourg in the winter. In the winter, Strasbourg is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Strasbourg in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Strasbourg usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Strasbourg 2°C (35°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Strasbourg is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 11°C (51°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Bergen. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Strasbourg 11°C (51°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Strasbourg

Strasbourg Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)