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

Should you visit Bern or Delft?

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

Should I visit Bern or Delft? 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.

Bern

Bern is a charming, beautiful, and cultural city. Bern is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bern travel costs.

Delft

Delft is a charming, historic, and quaint town. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Delft travel costs.

Bern and Delft: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bern or Delft?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bern than Delft, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bern is popular for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also home to The Zytglogge Clock Tower. Delft is popular for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Bern different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bern or Delft?

Bern
Delft

Bern is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bern. 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.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.


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

Bern
Delft

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Bern and Delft.

Bern offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Delft has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Bern or Delft Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Delft

Bern is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Bern or Delft Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Delft

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Bern and Delft.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Delft. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Delft?

Bern
Delft

Bern is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bern. 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.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Bern or Delft More Beautiful?

Bern
Delft

Bern is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bern is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This beautifully preserved historic city has charm, personality, and a lot to do.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bern or Delft Better for Families?

Bern
Delft

Bern is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bern is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Delft. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.


Is Bern or Delft Better for Couples?

Bern
Delft

Bern is a very popular place for romance. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Bern or Delft Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Delft

Bern is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Bern is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Bern or Delft Better for Students?

Bern
Delft

Delft is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Delft is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

Bern is not popular with students.


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

Bern
Delft

Both Bern and Delft offer excellent public transit options.

Visitors to Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

The public transit in Delft can get you around easily. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Is Bern or Delft a more walkable city?

Bern
Delft

Delft is renowned for its walkability. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Delft on foot. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

Bern is a very walkable city. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Delft Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Delft or Bern?

How long in Bern or Delft?

Bern and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bern than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Delft 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 Bern.


  • How many days in Bern or Delft? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Delft 1

One day in Bern or Delft?

In Bern, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Delft. 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 Bern or Delft?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Delft is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Delft?

Bern is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic destination of Delft. This town 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 Bern or Delft?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The historic town of Delft offers museums 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Delft or Bern?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $341, while the average daily cost in Delft is $172. 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 Bern and Delft in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $187
    Delft $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $374
    Delft $178
Compare Hotels in Bern and Delft

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Delft? 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 Bern


Hotels in Delft


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: Bern Hotel Prices and Delft Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $39
    Delft $8.38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private direct transfer from Bern to Lucerne: $262
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $251

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Delft?

Prices for flights to both Delft and Bern 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
    Bern $120
    Delft $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Bern Bites Food Tour Culinary Exploration of Bern's Old Town: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $39
    Delft $13

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • Aare Gorge Mini Grand Canyon Express Sightseeing Tour from Bern: $160
  • Attraction Ticket: Day Pass for Lake Thun & Brienz Boat Cruises: $148
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $88
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $62
  • Bern Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $11
  • Bern Food Market: Tour w/o Brunch: $44
  • Bern Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour with a Local: $178
  • Bern Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour With A Guide: $89
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $185
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $586
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $367
  • Bern Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66

Tours and Activities in Delft

For Delft, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Entrance Ticket for the Old and New Churches: $11
  • Vermeer Centrum Delft Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Hugo de Groot Walking Tour: $14
  • Canal House Museum 'Paul Tetar van Elven' Ticket: $14
  • Canal Cruise with Guided Commentary: $16
  • City Center Walking Tour: $22
  • Delft - Step/scootertour in and around the city: $29
  • City Tour with Dutch Food and Drink: $93
  • Open Boat Canal Cruise with Skipper: $112
  • Private Historical and Cultural Guided Walking Tour: $135
  • Private Tour of Delft + Beer Tasting: $159
  • Guided Walking Tour: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $31
    Delft $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Delft

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Delft:

  • Craft Beer Tasting in Medieval Brewery with Snacks: $19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bern and Delft, we can see that Bern is more expensive. And not only is Delft much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delft would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delft 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 Delft.

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


Which is Bigger, Bern or Delft?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Delft, 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 Bern or Delft?

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 Bern or Delft in the Summer?

Both Delft and Bern during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Delft for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bern is a little warmer than Delft in the summer. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Delft fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Delft, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bern. In the summer, Bern often gets more sunshine than Delft. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 202 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in July than Delft. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Delft receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Delft 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Bern or Delft in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Delft. Most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Delft because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bern is a little warmer than Delft. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bern in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Delft averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Delft during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Delft. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Delft receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Delft 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bern or Delft in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bern as well as Delft. The winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Delft this time of year.

It's quite cold in Delft in the winter. The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Bern is generally a little warmer than Delft. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 3°C (37°F), and Delft fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets more sunshine than Delft. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 47 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Delft. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Delft receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Delft 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Bern or Delft in the Spring?

Both Delft and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

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

Bern usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Delft during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives more rain than Delft. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Delft receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Delft 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Delft and Bern

Bern Delft
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)