A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Bamberg for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Bamberg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food and theater.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a beautiful, scenic, and storybook town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Bamberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bamberg. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Bamberg are popular destinations, Bamberg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bamberg is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions and small town charm. Bamberg is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. It is also well known for the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Bamberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bamberg and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

Bamberg is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Bamberg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an amazing town to visit for theatre. However, Bamberg is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Bamberg is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Bamberg can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bamberg area. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg Better for Nightlife?

Bamberg is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg Better for its Old Town?

Bamberg is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Bamberg offers plenty to see. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

Bamberg is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bamberg. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bamberg. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg Better for Couples?

Bamberg is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Bamberg has plenty to offer. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bamberg is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Bamberg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bamberg is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Bamberg has some public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg a more walkable city?

Bamberg is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bamberg. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Bamberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bamberg or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bamberg than Stratford-upon-Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bamberg that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bamberg than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Bamberg.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Bamberg, many people enjoy the museums and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Bamberg for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bamberg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The beautiful destination of Bamberg offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Bamberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Bamberg, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. And not only is Bamberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bamberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bamberg 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon than you might in Bamberg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Bamberg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

Bamberg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Bamberg, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Bamberg. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bamberg for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bamberg. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Bamberg. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 217 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Bamberg. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg in the Autumn?

Both Bamberg and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Bamberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Bamberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bamberg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more rain than Bamberg. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg in the Winter?

Both Bamberg and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bamberg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bamberg can be very cold during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is much warmer than Bamberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bamberg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Bamberg. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in January than Bamberg. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bamberg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Bamberg. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bamberg because of the natural beauty.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bamberg. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bamberg and Stratford-upon-Avon