A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Bergen for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Ephesus or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Bergen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a fascinating, ancient, and world-renowned archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Ephesus travel costs.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bergen travel costs.

Ephesus and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ephesus or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bergen than Ephesus, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bergen is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Ephesus is known for its museums and attractions. Ephesus is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. It is also home to Bryggen.

How is Ephesus different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ephesus is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Ephesus on the map. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

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 Ephesus or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Ephesus and Bergen.

Ephesus has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bergen area. 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 Ephesus or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Bergen has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

Is Ephesus or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bergen. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ephesus or Bergen?

Bergen is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its shopping areas.

Bergen is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Ephesus to go shopping. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Is Ephesus or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bergen is very family-friendly. 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.

Ephesus is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Is Ephesus or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

Bergen is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Is Ephesus or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Ephesus and Bergen are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Bergen is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Ephesus or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Ephesus is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Ephesus is not popular with students.

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

Ephesus and Bergen both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Ephesus has some very good public transit options. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

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 Ephesus or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bergen is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

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

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Ephesus?

How long in Ephesus or Bergen?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergen than Ephesus 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 Bergen.

One day in Ephesus or Bergen?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ephesus. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ephesus or Bergen?

Ephesus is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bergen has to offer.

Five days in Ephesus or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ephesus. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

Bergen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ephesus or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Ephesus. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Bergen, we can see that Bergen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus 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 Ephesus or Bergen?

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 Ephesus or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Ephesus during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ephesus is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Bergen. Most visitors come to Ephesus for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Bergen. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ephesus or Bergen in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. Ephesus is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, Ephesus is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Bergen. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Ephesus