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

Should you visit Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a cultural, historical, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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.

Warsaw and Bergen: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Warsaw or Bergen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Warsaw than Bergen. Warsaw is bigger than Bergen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Warsaw is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Warsaw and is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Warsaw is well known for its historical position as a cultural and political center. Also, Warsaw is famous for The Old Town Market Square.

How is Warsaw different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Warsaw
Bergen

Warsaw 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.

Warsaw offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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 Warsaw or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Warsaw
Bergen

Dining out at restaurants in both Warsaw and Bergen can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Warsaw or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Warsaw
Bergen

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

Warsaw has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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 Warsaw or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw
Bergen

Warsaw 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 Warsaw. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

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 Warsaw or Bergen?

Warsaw
Bergen

Bergen is a great city for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Bergen Better for Families?

Warsaw
Bergen

Bergen is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw 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.

Warsaw is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Is Warsaw or Bergen Better for Couples?

Warsaw
Bergen

Bergen is a great city for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Bergen is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.


Is Warsaw or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Warsaw
Bergen

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

Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Warsaw or Bergen Better for Students?

Warsaw
Bergen

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

Warsaw is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

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

Warsaw
Bergen

Warsaw and Bergen both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Warsaw can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

The public transit in Bergen can get you around 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 Warsaw or Bergen a more walkable city?

Warsaw
Bergen

Bergen is a great city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Warsaw and Bergen. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Warsaw or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Warsaw or Bergen?

Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Bergen?

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

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 Warsaw or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Warsaw. 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 nostalgic 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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Warsaw?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $93, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $108. 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 Warsaw and Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Warsaw $51
    Bergen $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Warsaw $102
    Bergen $134
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Warsaw 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 Warsaw


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Warsaw $4.67
    Bergen $9.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • ONEWAY Private Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) to/from Warsaw Transfer: $24
  • Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $35
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport one way private transfer 5-8 PAX: $36
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to City centre: $41
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $41
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Warsaw APT-HTL (WAW): $42
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport: $43
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • Private transfer by social-distance car from or to Warsaw Chopin Airport: $44
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Warsaw Chopin Airport: $49
  • Indoor Paintball with Hotel Transfers: $55
  • Economy Private Warsaw Okecie Airport Transfer: $57

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 Warsaw or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen and Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27
    Bergen $31
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

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

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $92
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

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.
    Warsaw $7.00
    Bergen $16

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Walking Audio Tour of Wilanów Palace Grounds: $5.20
  • Uncover Historic Marvels of In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
  • Old Town Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Warsaw Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.00
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Smartphone Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket: $11
  • Warsaw Old Town In-App Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $12
  • Traditional Galar Cruise on The Vistula River: $15

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
    Warsaw $10
    Bergen $6.87

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176


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

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


Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Bergen?

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

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

In July, Warsaw is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 19°C (65°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Warsaw usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Bergen in the Autumn?

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

Warsaw is around the same temperature as Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Bergen. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Warsaw can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Warsaw is much colder than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Warsaw in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Warsaw 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.

In April, Warsaw is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (47°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Bergen. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Warsaw

Warsaw Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)