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

Should you visit York or Bremen?

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

Should I visit York or Bremen? 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.

Bremen

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

York and Bremen: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in York or Bremen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in York than Bremen. While Bremen is larger than York, York has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. York is better known for its food, while Bremen is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Bremen and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Bremen is well known for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany.

How is York different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

York
Bremen

Both York and Bremen have great 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 Bremen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.


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

York
Bremen

York is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is York or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

York
Bremen

Both York and Bremen are great when it comes to 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.

Bremen has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Is York or Bremen Better for its Old Town?

York
Bremen

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both York and Bremen.

The historic old town of York is revered around 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.

With a famous historical old-town, Bremen offers plenty to see. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.


Is the Shopping Better in York or Bremen?

York
Bremen

Bremen 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.

Bremen is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

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 Bremen Better for Families?

York
Bremen

York is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Bremen is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

Is York or Bremen Better for Couples?

York
Bremen

York is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.


Is York or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Bremen

York is notable for backpackers. Also, Bremen 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

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

York
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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

Is York or Bremen a more walkable city?

York
Bremen

Bremen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Bremen on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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 Bremen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bremen or York?

How long in York or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Bremen. In our opinion, York has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in York than Bremen. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in York than Bremen. 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 Bremen. 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 Bremen 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.


  • How many days in York or Bremen? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Bremen 2-4

One day in York or Bremen?

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 Bremen. 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.

A weekend in York or Bremen?

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.

Bremen 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 Bremen?

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 lively destination of Bremen. 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 Bremen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 beautiful city of Bremen 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 Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bremen or York?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Bremen is £126. 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 York and Bremen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Bremen £65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Bremen £130
Compare Hotels in York and Bremen

Looking for a hotel in York or Bremen? 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 York


Hotels in Bremen


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: York Hotel Prices and Bremen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Bremen £38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $233

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Bremen?

Prices for flights to both Bremen and York 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
    York £32
    Bremen £31
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    £3.34
  • Fish and Chips
    £2.74
  • Pizza and Cola
    £5.99
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    £6.85
  • Vietnamese Soup
    £4.28
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    £6.85
  • Pastry and Coffee
    £3.42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Bremen £29

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • York Guide - Everybody Hates a Tourist: $6.35
  • Tower Tour: $7.63
  • Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • York Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private York Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • York Cocoa Works Guided Tour and Tasting: $12
  • Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York: $13
  • York Bird of Prey Centre Entry Ticket: $14
  • City Chronicles Historical Walking Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Bremen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bremen are as follows:

  • Exploration Game & City Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.62
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Centre Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Public Tour of the Town Hall in English: $9.62
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour in Bremen : $11
  • Walking Tour of Historic Schnoor District: $13
  • Night Watchman Guided Tour for Children (in German): $13
  • Guided Tour of City Center: $13
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Detective Trail 2.5-hour puzzle tour for families: $16
  • Experience Bremen by bike: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Bremen £29
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Bremen, we can see that Bremen 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 Bremen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bremen 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 Bremen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, York or Bremen?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

Both Bremen and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bremen for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally around the same temperature as Bremen. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Bremen. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Bremen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit York or Bremen in the Autumn?

Both Bremen and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bremen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

York is around the same temperature as Bremen in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bremen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Bremen. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Bremen. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Bremen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit York or Bremen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Bremen. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bremen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bremen can be very cold during winter. York can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, York is much warmer than Bremen. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bremen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Bremen. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Bremen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit York or Bremen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Bremen. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bremen because of the natural beauty.

In April, York is generally around the same temperature as Bremen. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Bremen 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Bremen and York

York Bremen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)