Bern is a historic city known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Bern, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Bern?
A typical traveler spends $341 (Sfr268) per day on a trip to Bern. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Bern based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $120 (Sfr95) on meals
- $39 (Sfr30) on local transportation
- $375 (Sfr295) on hotels
A one-week trip to Bern for two people costs, on average, $4,774 (Sfr3,752). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,387
Sfr1,876
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$4,774
Sfr3,752
-
One Month
Per person
$10,230
Sfr8,040
-
One Week
For a couple
$4,774
Sfr3,752
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$9,548
Sfr7,504
-
One Month
For a couple
$20,459
Sfr16,080
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bern cost?
A one week trip to Bern usually costs around $2,387 (Sfr1,876) for one person and $4,774 (Sfr3,752) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Bern on average costs around $4,774 (Sfr3,752) for one person and $9,548 (Sfr7,504) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bern will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Bern on average costs around $10,230 (Sfr8,040) for one person and $20,459 (Sfr16,080) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Bern expensive to visit?
In Bern, budget travelers spend $149 (Sfr117) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $341 (Sfr268) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $681 (Sfr535) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Bern.
Bern is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Bern can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Bern is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Samos or Menorca.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bern Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Bern?
The average Bern trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bern travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bern cost?
Bern on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$81
(Sfr63)
|
$187
(Sfr147)
|
$378
(Sfr297)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$17
(Sfr13)
|
$39
(Sfr30)
|
$79
(Sfr62)
|
|
Food2
|
$52
(Sfr41)
|
$120
(Sfr95)
|
$240
(Sfr189)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$17
(Sfr13)
|
$39
(Sfr31)
|
$75
(Sfr59)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$7-20
(Sfr5-16)
|
$15-46
(Sfr12-36)
|
$30-89
(Sfr23-70)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Bern. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
Bern on a Shoestring Budget?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $149 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Bern is home to plenty of hostels, including Bern Backpackers Hotel&Hostel Glocke, Bern Youth Hostel, and Hostel 77 Bern. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. The city also includes a reliable public transportation system that helps budget travelers avoid overspending on taxis or rideshare services.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Bern will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $341 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Bern. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Bed and Breakfast Wildrose is a good kid-friendly option, and Hotel Jardin Berne is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Bern here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $681 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the city will require a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Bern Private Walking Tour with a Local - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Bern
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Bern can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Bern in the off-season is $150, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $280. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Bern to range from $106 to $465. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Bern for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $375 (Sfr295). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $187 (Sfr147) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Bern? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Bern include:
- Unique Hotel Innere Enge starting at $213
- Hotel Savoy Berne starting at $174
- Hotel Baren am Bundesplatz starting at $156
- The Bristol Berne starting at $177
- Swissotel Kursaal Bern starting at $135
Bern's good public transit system can help keep accommodation costs low by staying farther out, but the extra transportation expenses and inconvenience may not be worth it if you're short on time.
When visiting Bern with your family, look for an apartment or accommodation that offers more space to keep everyone comfortable.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid summer), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Many people like to explore Bern on foot, so you'll want to stay in an area that is at the center of everything. This can come at a higher price though.
The city's unique old town is a major draw for visitors. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they typically offer a lot of character and convenient access to all the attractions.
Transportation Budget in Bern
Getting around Bern is easy thanks to its excellent public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town. For an affordable and speedy option, public transit is your best bet, though taxis and rideshares are available for added convenience.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. 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.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $39 (Sfr30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bern. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bern is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$39
Sfr30
You can easily walk around the old town area and city center. There are shopping areas and many restaurants that you can reach on foot, but if you're hoping to venture farther outside of the city center then you'll want to use the city's excellent public transportation system. This system includes trams, trolleybuses and regular buses, as well as a suburban rail system. The service is frequent and travels into the surrounding suburbs. The tram and bus systems are run by Bernmobil. The S-Bahn rail system travels to nearby cities including Biel, Thun, Fribourg or Solothurn.
It is best to avoid driving in Bern. It is hard to find free parking, and paid parking is very expensive. Because the city is so easy to navigate on foot, or with public transit, then bringing a car is more trouble than it's worth. You can park outside of the city center in the "park and ride" area and take public transportation into town.
Biking is another good option. There are free bikes available for four hour periods through "Bern rollt". If you want to pick up a bike, then you can find them at Milchgassli/Hauptbahnhof all year around, and Hirschengraben or Zeughausgasse between the months of May and October.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel for $251 details
- Private direct transfer from Bern to Lucerne for $262 details
How much does it cost to go to Bern? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Bern will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Bern
Cuisine in Bern is good, but it's not well known enough to draw in tourists for the restaurant scene. Still, there are a handful of excellent dining spots in the city to discover. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Bern can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bern is $120 (Sfr95) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$120
Sfr95
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bern is around $120 (Sfr95) per person, with previous travelers spending from $52 to $240. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Bern are as follows:
- Breakfast: $12 to $36
- Lunch: $18 to $48
- Dinner: $36 to $84
- Coffee: $10
- Fast Food or Street Food: $18
Dining in Switzerland can be shockingly expensive. Make sure you allow yourself time to choose a decent affordable restaurant, as this will help you find the best deal. Touristy restaurants, particularly traditionally Swiss restaurants, have incredibly inflated prices. Unfortunately, this means that if you're looking for a more reasonably priced meal you may have to skip the Swiss restaurants and try a different international cuisine such as Asian or Italian. These international options are popular with locals and therefore have more affordable pricing.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Bern, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Bern Bites Food Tour Culinary Exploration of Bern's Old Town for $154 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bern
Tourists can't resist Bern, especially for its well-known museums and attractions, historical sights, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bern typically cost an average of $39 (Sfr31) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$39
Sfr31
The most popular sights around the town include the Bundeshaus (the Federal Palace of Switzerland), Einsteinhaus, where Albert Einstein lived with his wife during his time in Bern, Zentrum Paul Klee, and Zytglogge, which is the Clock Tower near the center of the old town that dates back to the 13th century. Bern has a rich history of culture and the arts. This can be seen in the city's many museums and outdoor galleries. Popular museums include the Bern Historical Museum, Kunstmuseum (the Museum of Fine Arts), and the Swiss Alpine Museum.
There are some fun activities in the city that are worth participating in as well. Make sure you allow yourself some time to enjoy a swim in the River Aare if you happen to be in town during the warmer summer months. Also take time to head to Gurten, which is a hill located just outside of town. From there you can enjoy views of the city and visit a park that is popular with locals. Rosengarten is another small park with a great view of the old town. It's located near the bear pits and is a popular place to visit around lunch time. To reach the park just take bus 10 from the railway station toward Ostermundigen Ruti.
Some of the more popular festivals in the area include Gurtenfestival in July, the popular International Jazzfestival Bern, and Buskers Bern, a festival that highlights the city's street musicians.
Although the nightlife in Bern may not compare to Zurich or Paris, you will find a good number of bars where you can grab a drink and enjoy a chat with friends. The options are more relaxed and mellow than in larger cities, but for many travelers this is an enjoyable way to spend the evening.
Museums and Attractions:
Many people visit Bern specifically to see its famous museums and landmarks. 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.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town area brings in many visitors. 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.
Shopping:
Be sure to enjoy the shopping here, as it's an experience you won't forget. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Bern. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Bern Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide for $86 details
- Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour for $9 details
- Private Tour of Bern in 60 minutes with a Local for $101 details
Nightlife Budget in Bern
For nightlife, Bern offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $31 (Sfr24) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Bern per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$31
Sfr24
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 15, 2025
Traveling in Bern
Bern, Switzerland
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.
The city dates back to 1191 when it was founded by Duke Berthold V von Zahringen. It was originally part of the Holy Roman Empire and in 1353 it joined the Swiss confederation. In 1848 it became the Swiss capital.
Neighborhoods & Around
Bern is divided into six districts and each district is divided into quarters. In district I you'll find Innere Stadt or the Old Town area. This is where you'll likely spend most of your time as a tourist. If you're looking for Bern hotels or hostels in Bern, this is where you should look, as this is the heart of the city.
Related:
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.