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

Should you visit York or Bergen?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Bergen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in York than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than York, York has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. York is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Bergen is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. York is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is York different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York 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, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

York has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

York 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.

York has a world-famous historical area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Bergen?

Bergen is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Bergen Better for Families?

York 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, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Bergen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Bergen make for a high quality place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

Is York or Bergen Better for Students?

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

York is not popular with students.

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

Bergen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or York?

How long in York or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in York or Bergen?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Bergen?

York 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Bergen?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Bergen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of York. 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.

The laid back city of Bergen offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 York and Bergen, we can see that York 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 York would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in York 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 York Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York or Bergen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to York because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In July, York is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, York usually receives less rain than Bergen. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

York is a little warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. York usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Bergen. Many travelers come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. In the winter, York is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, York usually receives less rain than Bergen. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Bergen. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

In April, York is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. York usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and York