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

Should you visit Taupo or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Taupo 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.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Taupo travel costs.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bergen travel costs.

Taupo and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taupo or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taupo. Although Taupo and Bergen are both popular with visitors, Taupo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taupo is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Taupo is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also home to the Craters of the Moon reserve. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Taupo different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Taupo or Bergen Better for Skiing?

Taupo is very popular for snow skiing. However, Bergen is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Taupo should be on your list. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Bergen is not a skiing destination.

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

Bergen is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo 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 Taupo is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Taupo or Bergen has a better nightlife scene.

Taupo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

If you're looking for night time activities Bergen has a few options to choose from. 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 Taupo or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a popular place for its old town. However, Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bergen to see the old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Is Taupo or Bergen Better for Hiking?

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

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or Bergen?

Bergen is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Taupo or Bergen More Beautiful?

Taupo is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bergen is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Bergen is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Taupo or Bergen Better for Families?

Taupo is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Taupo is a very family-friendly destination. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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.

Is Taupo or Bergen Better for Couples?

Taupo is very popular for couples. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Taupo or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Taupo is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Is Taupo or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is a popular place for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

Bergen is popular with 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.

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Bergen is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bergen has some very good public transit options. 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.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Taupo or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Taupo?

How long in Taupo or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Taupo or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bergen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this nostalgic destination offers. 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 Taupo or Bergen?

Taupo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Taupo or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bergen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Taupo or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the otherworldly destination of Taupo. This town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the nostalgic destination of Bergen. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Taupo and Bergen, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Taupo is in Pacific and Bergen is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Taupo or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Taupo 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.