How to Enjoy Bergen on a Budget: My Local Money-Saving Tips
Bergen is beautiful, but let’s be honest: Norway isn’t cheap! The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the city. Here’s how I would save on everyday expenses without missing the Bergen experience.
Choose accommodation that saves you money
Look for a hotel with breakfast included, or choose an Airbnb with a kitchen. A good breakfast can keep you going for hours, and cooking even one meal yourself can make a big difference. Try to stay within walking distance of central Bergen, too: you’ll save on transport and enjoy the city as you explore on foot. Compare the total accommodation price, not just the nightly rate.
Eat well without paying restaurant prices every day
Restaurants in Bergen can be expensive, and portion sizes aren’t always what you expect. You can absolutely treat yourself to a nice restaurant once during your trip. But for everyday meals, I recommend checking the prepared food counters at MENY or Lerøy Mat in the lower level of Galleriet shopping centre. You’ll often find good-quality meals without the cost of sitting down in a restaurant.
For groceries, I usually suggest REMA 1000, KIWI and Coop Extra. A café can also be a nice alternative when you want to enjoy the atmosphere without paying for a full restaurant meal.
Love Norwegian salmon? Cook it yourself! 🐟
If your Airbnb has a kitchen, this is one of my favourite tips. Instead of paying restaurant prices for a small piece of salmon, make a simple dinner yourself. For the budget-friendly option, check the packaged salmon at supermarkets: you can often find packs of around 400 grams, and they may cost less than buying fish from a fresh counter.
If you want fresh fish from a specialist counter, try the fish section at MENY or Bergen’s Fish Market. Both can be lovely options for quality, but the Fish Market is often more expensive. Compare prices before buying. Salmon, potatoes and a salad make an easy Norwegian-inspired dinner, and cooking together can be part of the fun.
Walk more and spend less on transport
Much of central Bergen is easy to explore on foot. Stay fairly central if your budget allows, then walk between Bryggen, the harbour, the city centre and nearby neighbourhoods. If you’re arriving by plane, see my Bergen Airport transfer guide: I usually recommend Bybanen before a taxi.
Enjoy Bergen’s free experiences
Walk through Bryggen, explore the wooden streets of Sandviken, enjoy Nordnes and Nygårdsparken, or follow the paths up toward Fløyen if you’re comfortable walking uphill. You don’t need a paid attraction every day to fall in love with Bergen. See more ideas in my hidden gems guide.
Pack for the weather so you don’t have to shop here
Bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes with good grip and layers. Bergen’s weather can change quickly, and buying extra clothing after you arrive can make an already expensive trip cost more.
Remember tax-free shopping, if you’re eligible
If you live outside Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark and meet the relevant tax-free shopping rules, ask participating stores about tax-free refunds on qualifying goods you take out of Norway. The minimum purchase is generally NOK 315 in the same shop on the same day for ordinary goods, but eligibility and product rules apply. Ask the store for the correct paperwork and follow the refund operator’s instructions at departure. Don’t assume groceries, meals or every souvenir purchase qualifies.
My final tip
Save money on the everyday things, so you can spend it on the experiences you’ll remember. Maybe that’s a lovely dinner, a fjord trip or simply a coffee with a beautiful view. Bergen can be memorable without being expensive every minute of the day. 💙
Planning your visit? Explore my Bergen itineraries, shopping guide and food and drink tips.
