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

Should you visit Zurich or Bergen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Bergen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Zurich is more touristy than Bergen and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Zurich different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National 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 Zurich or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zurich 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 Zurich is an experience not to be missed. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Bergen Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for its music scene. However, Bergen is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Bergen is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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.

Zurich has a world-famous historical area. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore 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 Zurich or Bergen?

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

Zurich is a world class destination for shoppers. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Bergen Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Bergen are superb family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bergen. 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 Zurich or Bergen Better for Couples?

Zurich and Bergen both superb destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Bergen are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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

Is Zurich or Bergen Better for Students?

Zurich 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 Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Both Zurich and Bergen offer superb public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in Bergen can get you to most places 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 Zurich or Bergen a more walkable city?

Zurich and Bergen both are superb when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Bergen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 Zurich or Bergen?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 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 Zurich or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Zurich or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Zurich. 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 friendly 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 Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and Bergen, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Bergen?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Zurich usually receives less rain than Bergen. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bergen in the Winter?

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

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Zurich is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Bergen. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Bergen. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Zurich is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Zurich