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

Should you visit Toulouse or Bergen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and Bergen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a friendly, relaxed, and dynamic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Bergen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toulouse is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also well known for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse 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.

Toulouse offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Toulouse is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

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 Toulouse or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is notable 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

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 Toulouse or Bergen?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Bergen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Toulouse or Bergen Better for Families?

Both Toulouse and Bergen are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Bergen is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Toulouse or Bergen Better for Couples?

Both Toulouse and Bergen are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergen is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Bergen is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Bergen Better for Students?

For students, both Toulouse and Bergen are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

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

Bergen offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Toulouse or Bergen a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Bergen are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Toulouse and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toulouse than in Bergen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergen than Toulouse 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 Bergen.

One day in Toulouse or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. 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.

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 Toulouse or Bergen?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

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 Toulouse or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 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 Toulouse or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Toulouse. 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 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, 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 Toulouse and Bergen, we can see that Toulouse 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 Toulouse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toulouse 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Bergen?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Toulouse during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Toulouse is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toulouse usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Bergen. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Toulouse is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulouse in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Bergen. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bergen can be very cold. In January, Toulouse is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 6°C (44°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

Toulouse is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Bergen. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Toulouse