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

Should you visit Bern or Florence?

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

Should I visit Bern or Florence? 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 cultural, historic, and charming city. The beauty of Bern is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bern travel costs.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty in Florence as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Florence travel costs.

Bern and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Bern. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory.

How is Bern different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Bern or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence 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, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean and cabbage soup. You'll also find all of your favorite Italian staples and many great family-owned trattorie.

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 Bern or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Both Bern and Florence are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Bern or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence 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 Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Bern or Florence?

Both Bern and Florence are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Bern or Florence More Beautiful?

Florence is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Florence as well. The city's beautiful architecture and impressive gardens make it among the most beautiful cities in the world.

The beauty of Bern is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This beautifully preserved historic city has charm, personality, and a lot to do.

Is Bern or Florence Better for Families?

Bern is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Bern or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is renowned for romance. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Bern or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Bern or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is renowned for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Bern is not popular with students.

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

Bern is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Bern can get you to some places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Florence has a few public transit options. The city has a comprehensive bus system.

Is Bern or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot and the striking beauty and and pedestrian-friendly areas make it a great place to wander. During peak seasons, the streets can get crowded.

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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Bern?

How long in Bern or Florence?

Both Bern and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Bern. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bern, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in Bern or Florence?

The beautiful city of Bern offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Florence. 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 Florence?

Bern is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bern, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence 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 Bern or Florence?

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the artistic destination of Florence. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bern or Florence?

Bern is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the artistic city of Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bern or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bern as well as Florence. Many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bern is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bern this time of the year. In the summer, Bern often gets less sunshine than Florence. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bern is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bern usually receives less rain than Florence. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bern or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Bern during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bern can be very cold during winter. Bern is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Bern often gets less sunshine than Florence. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Florence. The spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the spring, Bern is cooler than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bern usually receives less rain than Florence. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Bern