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

Should you visit York or Bern?

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

Should I visit York or Bern? 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 historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern

Bern is a historic, charming, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Bern?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York than Bern, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. York is more popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Bern is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Bern and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is York different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bern 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 Bern?

Both York and Bern have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Many visitors head to Bern specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Is the Food Better in York or Bern? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is York or Bern Better for Nightlife?

York is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Is York or Bern Better for its Old Town?

York is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of York is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Bern?

Bern 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.

Bern is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

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 Bern Better for Families?

York is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bern 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bern is very family-friendly. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

Is York or Bern Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Bern 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.

Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is York or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Bern are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. 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.

Many backpackers visit Bern. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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

Bern 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 Bern is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is York or Bern a more walkable city?

Bern 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.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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 Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or York?

How long in York or Bern?

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

Families should spend more time in York than Bern. 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.

One day in York or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Bern?

York is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Bern is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bern?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bern. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Bern?

The historic city of York offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The beautiful city of Bern offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Bern?

York has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of York and Bern, 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 Bern?

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 Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

York is cooler than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. York usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Bern. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Bern in the Autumn?

Both Bern and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, York is cooler than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Bern. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bern. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Bern in the Winter?

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

Bern can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. In January, York is generally a little warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bern during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Bern. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Bern in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Bern. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months.

York is cooler than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Bern. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Bern. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and York