What we did: 24 hours in bergen
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Craving fjord views, cosy cafes, and outdoor adventures? Bergen ticks all the boxes for a fun-filled family escape. With its charming cobbled streets lined with colourful houses, vibrant coffee scene, and easy access to breathtaking mountains. In just 24 hours, you can experience the best of Bergen.
BRYGGEN
Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is Bergen's most iconic landmark. If you’ve been sent a postcard from Bergen, chances are it depicts the Bryggen! This waterfront area is lined with iconic, colourful wooden houses, originally built by Hanseatic merchants in the 14th century. Today, they house shops, restaurants, and museums, offering a glimpse into Bergen's rich maritime history. If you want to explore the Bryggen and generally find your bearings in Bergen, we’d recommend booking this cost-effective walking tour.
STROLL THROUGH THE OLD COBBLED STREETS
Bergen's old town is a labyrinth of charming streets and every twist and turn reveals quaint wooden houses, some dating back centuries. Imagine the lives lived within these walls, the stories etched into the very essence of the city. The narrow alleyways create a cosy atmosphere, colourful houses line the streets - many adorned with vibrant flower boxes. You never know what you may find around the next bend - the scent of freshly baked pastries wafting from a nearby bakery, a cute café tucked away, a quirky art gallery, or a hidden garden bursting with life. Strolling Bergen's cobbled streets is more than just a walk; it's an experience that transports you to another time and place, it's a chance to connect with the city's rich history and embrace its charm.
FUNICULAR RIDE TO THE TOP OF MT. FLøYEN
One of the most popular things to do in the city, and the best way to capture those truly epic, panoramic views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. A ride on the Fløibanen funicular railway is itself, an experience - taking you up Mount Fløyen in under 10 minutes. Once at the top, there’s something for everyone:
Breath-taking views: Once you reach the summit, you're greeted by a stunning vista that stretches for miles. Spend a few minutes taking in the panoramic view of the city, fjords, and surrounding mountains.
A gateway to nature: Mount Fløyen is a nature lovers paradise - there are numerous hiking and walking trails suitable for all fitness levels, offering opportunities to explore further and discover hidden waterfalls, other viewpoints, and tranquil forests.
Family-Friendly Activities: The top of Mount Fløyen caters well for families; you'll find a playground, troll forest, and a restaurant with a viewing platform, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
BERGEN FISH MARKET
Nestled on the Bergan waterfront, the Fish Market is a real feast for the senses. A Historical Foodie Haven steeped in tradition since the 12th century, it’s a vibrant hub where history meets fresh seafood! Colourful wooden stalls overflowing with the best catch the Norwegian seas have to offer – salmon, shrimp, as well as Skrei: the king of Norwegian cod. The market isn't just about seafood; local farmers offer their produce - berries bursting with flavour, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Finally, don’t miss the artisan stalls for unique souvenirs and locally crafted treats.
FOOD
With time at a premium, we felt the best strategy was to snack our way around Bergen for the most part, but we did have time for a quick sit-down meal and opted for Holy Cow - a casual burger restaurant in the centre. Offering a range of unique burgers, and sides, together with quick service, it was the perfect pit stop for us!
COFFEE
Despite only being on the ground for 24 hours, we had no shortage of great coffee, here are our favourites:
Espresso House - our go-to Scandi coffee spot! It’s the Nordic countries' leading chain coffee shop, serving up premium coffee, light snacks and pastries with a chic ambience.
Colonialen Fetevare - A café and bakery in a deli that’s brimming with Nordic delicacies.
Kaf Kafe Bryggen - among the Bryggen’s famous alleyways.
Godt Brød - two sites in Bergen offering organic pastries and delicious coffee with a cosy vibe.
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Heimen Hotel - centrally located within walking distance of the main attractions; the Fish Market, Bryggen, and the harbour are all within a 5-minute walk. The hotel boasts a contemporary design yet retains a touch of its long history, creating a stylish and comfortable atmosphere. The hotel showcases an impressive collection of modern Norwegian art, adding a touch of sophistication and reflecting the city's cultural scene. Overall, Heimen Hotel is a great choice for families and travellers seeking a stylish and centrally located hotel in Bergen with a touch of history and artistic flair.
How to travel Iceland on a budget in 2025
Iceland. World-renowned for its endless dramatic landscapes and magnificent natural beauty, it attracts travellers from across the globe. However, the part of its reputation which often precedes it is that – it’s damn expensive!
FEEEAAARRR NOT adventure seekers….we are here with tips and ideas to make your Icelandic adventure unforgettable without breaking the bank in 2024!
Travelling to Iceland
This is dependent on where you are coming in from, but due to its location, Iceland is incredibly well served from both the east and west, with direct flights from all over Europe and particularly the east coast of the US. Many budget airlines offer routes and there's always a deal to be found to make your Icelandic getaway possible.
Embrace Free Activities
Some of Iceland's crown jewels are absolutely free! Hike stunning glaciers, marvel at cascading waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss, witness the power of the Atlantic Ocean at Reynisfjara black sand beach, and be mesmerized by the Northern Lights (during winter). Amazing, life-long memories are provided free of charge by our own mother nature!
Explore cheaper, lesser-known alternatives
Geothermal Delights: Skip the pricier Blue Lagoon and head to Laugarvatn Fontana for a geothermal pool experience with a dose of Icelandic tradition. Exploring hot springs and geysers along the Golden Circle route. See our ultimate guide on the best geothermal spas Iceland has to offer.
Self-guided tours: organised tours of the famous Golden Circle can become expensive, and may include things you do not necessarily want to see or do. While they take the stress out of driving and undoubtedly offer some extra information and perspective from locals, if you’re looking to do Iceland on a budget, we’d recommend hiring a car and curating your own tour, with a little research and effort you can have the same great experience for a fraction of the cost. Read our how-to guide on creating your self-drive golden circle tour (coming soon!)
Accommodation on a Dime
Hostels and Guesthouses: if you plan on spending as much time exploring as possible, why pay for a fancy hotel room to sit empty most of the time you’re there! Ditch costly hotels for budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Many offer dorm rooms and shared kitchens, perfect for meeting fellow travellers and whipping up meals.
Airbnb: Icelanders have taken to Airbnb in a big way, and one report suggested as much as 10% of the apartments in Iceland were listed on the site! There’s everything from single rooms and basic apartments to ultra-luxury full house stays, many places offer 1 night stays, which make Airbnb a great option to curate a road trip, while staying in a fixed 4-walls!
Camping: truly embrace the great outdoors by pitching a tent at one of the many designated campsites across Iceland. Travelling in a motorhome can also be one way of combining the cost of travel and accommodation, Iceland is well set up to accommodate those who wish to travel in this way, with plenty of stops on the circular route 1. This allows for flexibility and the opportunity to fully immerse in the natural surroundings.
Foodie on a Budget
Supermarket Savvy: Skip expensive restaurants and stock up on groceries at Bonus or Kronan, Iceland's budget-friendly supermarkets. A reusable water bottle is a must – Iceland's tap water is delicious and amongst the best quality in the world.
Kerb side bites: Iceland is famous for its hot dogs - they're a cost-effective, tasty, and surprisingly filling option. Available from multiple street vendors in Reykjavik.
Street Food Markets: there are multiple options in Reykjavik, our preference was Hafnartorg Gallery - offering a range of casual dining options and flavours from across the world. Selfoss also has a charming street food market in the centre of town - the old dairy food hall - is a great way to round off the Golden Circle, and is on the way back from Seljalandsfoss towards Reykjavik.
Self-Catering: Utilize kitchens in hostels or guesthouses to prepare meals as well as packing some travel snacks to avoid impulse purchases.
Transportation Tips
Rent a Car (strategically): Explore car rental deals during off-peak seasons. While fuel prices can be high, there are some great deals on rental cars available in Iceland. The roads are a pleasure to drive on and renting a car offers maximum flexibility!
Buses for the Budget Conscious: Iceland has a decent bus network, especially for reaching popular destinations like the Golden Circle and South Coast. If this is going to be the way you explore the island we’d recommend purchasing a multi-day pass for cost savings.
Hitchhiking (safely): while not practical for more than the solo traveller - hitchhiking is a common and safe practice in Iceland. It's a great way to meet locals and save money, but always prioritize safety and use common sense.
Plan, plan, plan
Off-Season Adventures: shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer a comfortable compromise between crowds and costs. Flights and accommodation are generally cheaper compared to peak summer.
Travel with Friends: sharing expenses with friends makes everything more affordable. Split the accommodation, car rentals, and groceries.
Book in Advance (sometimes): while some things are best booked on arrival (hostels, campsites), consider securing flights and car rentals well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Bonus Tip: try to pack for all weather conditions! Iceland's climate can be unpredictable, and having the right gear can save you money on buying while you’re there, or replacing ruined clothes.
With some planning and these budget-friendly hacks, you can experience the magic of Iceland without burning a hole in your wallet. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and get ready to be captivated by this magical land of Fire and Ice!