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

Should you visit Vienna or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Bergen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna 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 Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Bergen.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Bergen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Bergen Better for Music?

Vienna is very popular for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a world-famous historical area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Bergen?

Vienna is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. 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 Vienna or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bergen is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Bergen Better for Couples?

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

Vienna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Bergen are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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

Is Vienna or Bergen Better for Students?

Vienna is very popular for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. 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 Vienna or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vienna is very popular for its public transit. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

Public transit in Bergen is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Vienna or Bergen a more walkable city?

Vienna is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Bergen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

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

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

One day in Vienna or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bergen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Bergen?

Vienna 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.

Bergen 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.

Five days in Vienna or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. 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.

A week in Vienna or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the musical destination of Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, 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 Vienna and Bergen, we can see that Vienna 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Bergen?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Bergen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Vienna is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Bergen. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. The weather in Vienna can be very cold. Vienna is a little warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Bergen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, Vienna is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Bergen. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Vienna