A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Bern for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pamukkale or Bern?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Bern can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a striking, unique, and iconic town. Pamukkale is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Pamukkale travel costs.

Bern

Bern is a cultural, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, Bern attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bern travel costs.

Pamukkale and Bern: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Pamukkale or Bern?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bern than Pamukkale, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bern is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pamukkale is more popular for its hiking. Pamukkale is more touristy than Bern and is popular for its natural travertine terraces, thermal springs, and ancient ruins. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Also, Bern is famous for The Zytglogge Clock Tower.

How is Pamukkale different from Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pamukkale
Bern

Bern is a great city for its historical sights. However, Pamukkale is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Pamukkale offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is located within the ancient city of Hierapolis. It's housed in a former Roman bathhouse and displays an impressive collection of artifacts, including statues, sarcophagi, and other relics from Hierapolis, Laodicea, and other nearby ancient cities.


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

Pamukkale
Bern

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pamukkale and Bern can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Pamukkale is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town has a number of restaurants and cafes that serve dishes like kebabs, meze platters, and pide (Turkish flatbread). Gözleme (a savory stuffed pancake) is a popular street food in the area, but there are also many of the most popular Turkish dishes available.

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

Is Pamukkale or Bern Better for Nightlife?

Pamukkale
Bern

Bern is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pamukkale is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bern has a few options to choose from. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Most people don't head to Pamukkale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a quiet town in the evening. Some hotels host small social gatherings or cultural evenings which lets you connect with other travelers. For a more lively experience, nearby Denizli has a broader range of bars and clubs, but it requires a short trip.

Is Pamukkale or Bern Better for its Old Town?

Pamukkale
Bern

Bern is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Pamukkale does not have a historic old town.

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.

Pamukkale does not have a historic old town.


Is Pamukkale or Bern Better for Hiking?

Pamukkale
Bern

Pamukkale is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bern is not a hiking destination.

Pamukkale is a good destination for hiking. The most popular trail leads through the travertine terraces, where visitors can walk barefoot across the warm, calcium-rich pools. You can also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, which has pathways winding through the theater, necropolis, and other historical sites. For something a little more challenging, the surrounding countryside has trails through the hills that lead to impressive viewpoints.

Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamukkale or Bern?

Pamukkale
Bern

Bern is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Pamukkale is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of souvenir shops around town where you can buy local crafts or trinkets. You'll find Turkish towels and carpets, dried spices, herbs, and teas. Many shops also sell Diorama stones and miniature travertine sculptures.

Is Pamukkale or Bern More Beautiful?

Pamukkale
Bern

Bern is a great city for its scenery and beauty. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bern attracts visitors from all around. This beautifully preserved historic city has charm, personality, and a lot to do.

Pamukkale is a gorgeous place to visit. It is considered to be one of Turkey's most unique natural wonders. The white travertine terraces, which are filled with turquoise thermal waters, create an other-worldly landscape.


Is Pamukkale or Bern Better for Families?

Pamukkale
Bern

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Pamukkale or Bern.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pamukkale. Kids and adults alike will enjoy visiting the unique Travertine Terraces. Taking a dip in Cleopatra's Pool, with its sunken Roman columns, is also a highlight, and fans of the Percy Jackson series will appreciate visiting the ancient ruins at Hierapolis.

Bern is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Pamukkale or Bern Better for Couples?

Pamukkale
Bern

Both Pamukkale and Bern are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Pamukkale is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy many romantic settings, such as wandering through the impressive white travertine terraces, swimming in Cleopatra's Pool surrounded by ancient Roman columns, and exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Is Pamukkale or Bern Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamukkale
Bern

For backpackers, both Pamukkale and Bern are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pamukkale. Food and activities are convenient and accessible around town. There are also many affordable hostels and plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Pamukkale or Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pamukkale
Bern

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

The public transit in Bern can get you to most places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

Pamukkale has a few public transit options. Minibuses (dolmuş) are the primary mode of local transportation, connecting Pamukkale to nearby towns like Denizli, where the main bus and train stations are located. From Denizli, frequent minibuses run to Pamukkale.

Is Pamukkale or Bern a more walkable city?

Pamukkale
Bern

Pamukkale and Bern are great when it comes to walkability.

Pamukkale is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and very walkable, especially within the main tourist areas. The travertine terraces and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are easy to explore on foot as well.

Bern is very walkable. 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 Pamukkale Worth Visiting? and Is Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bern or Pamukkale?

How long in Pamukkale or Bern?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Bern? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pamukkale 1-2 
    Bern 1-3

One day in Pamukkale or Bern?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Pamukkale. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bern. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bern has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Pamukkale or Bern?

Pamukkale is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pamukkale or Bern?

You'll find shopping and food around the iconic destination of Pamukkale. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Bern. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Pamukkale or Bern?

The unique town of Pamukkale offers food and shopping. 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.

Bern is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern or Pamukkale?

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 Pamukkale is $162, while the average daily cost in Bern is $341. 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 Pamukkale and Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $44
    Bern $187
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $88
    Bern $374
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Bern? 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 Pamukkale


Hotels in Bern


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $28
    Bern $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Antalya/Belek/Lara: Land Of legends Night Show Transfer: $20
  • Gumbet Turkish Bath with hotel transfer and Oil massage: $38
  • Paragliding Tour w/ Scenic Views & Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $78
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $108
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $114
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $114
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $119
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $121
  • Denizli Airport Transfer to Pamukkale (Private): $141
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $149
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Center Private Transfer: $244

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 Pamukkale or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $94
    Bern $120

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.
    Pamukkale $42
    Bern $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $1.57

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • From Antalya or Kemer: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $41
  • Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $47
  • Pamukkale&Hierapolis Small Group Tour (Entrance Tickets Extra): $50
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Skip-the-Line Tickets and Audio Guide: $51
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Experience Including Pickup: $59
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $64
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Tour : $70
  • Pamukkale & Hierapolis Ancient City Tour from Antalya: $80
  • Natural Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale - Small Group : $82
  • Izmir: Ephesus, House of Mary Tour w/Entry Tickets & Lunch: $84

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $11
    Bern $31


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Bern?

Bern has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Bern, 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 Pamukkale or Bern?

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 Pamukkale or Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pamukkale for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bern because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bern averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Bern. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Bern. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Bern. The autumn months attract visitors to Pamukkale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

In October, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Bern. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Bern in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Bern. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamukkale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. Pamukkale is much warmer than Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Bern. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Bern. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pamukkale for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Bern averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)