Bergen Weekend Itinerary: What to See, Do & Eat
There’s a lot to explore in Bergen, even with just one weekend. While Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, it often feels more like a small town, and that’s meant in the best possible way. It’s cozy, and many of the main attractions are easily accessible within a short time. Thanks to the Bybanen light rail and Skyss buses, getting around is simple and convenient.
If you find yourself with just one weekend in Bergen, we’re here to help you make the most of it. With so many attractions and things to see, we’ve put together this suggested itinerary to show you what’s manageable in a weekend, while also leaving room for some relaxation between sightseeing.
Friday
Afternoon
How about starting your visit to Bergen with a traditional Norwegian seafood meal at Søstrene Hagelin? The restaurant is known for its tasty fish cakes and a variety of other seafood dishes. It’s open until 19:00, making it a good option for dinner when you arrive. Other great places to consider are Kogi for Korean cuisine and Porto13 Pizzeria & Bar for Italian.
Evening
As dusk falls, I recommend taking a walk across the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen Wharf. A stroll along Bryggen is a must while visiting. The old wooden Hanseatic houses are colorful and charming, and Bryggen is always bustling with life. During the summer, you can grab a drink at one of the outdoor seating areas. It’s a truly atmospheric and historic place to enjoy a cold beer or a mocktail.
After dinner and a bit of rest, I suggest taking the Ulriken gondola. It’s actually possible to ride the gondola as late as 11 PM, so why not go up as the city lights begin to glow? With lovely views of the city and the surrounding landscape, it makes for an unforgettable night. You can even stop by the restaurant Skyskraperen if you would rather eat your dinner here. Ulriken Mountain offers some of the best panoramic views of Bergen, and I highly recommend visiting while you’re in the city.
As you start to feel tired, you might want to return to your hotel room. Finding the right accommodation for your needs is important for a comfortable stay.
Right in the center of Bergen, just steps from the Fish Market and a short stroll from Bryggen, stands one of the city’s most distinctive hotels. Once the Bergen Stock Exchange, the 1862 building now houses the Bergen Børs Hotel, a carefully restored Neo-Renaissance property with 127 elegant rooms and suites. The interior offers both historical charm and contemporary luxury. It’s a sophisticated choice for travelers seeking comfort while also wanting a touch of indulgence.
On-site, guests can enjoy two standout dining experiences: BARE Vin og Matbar, and Frescohallen, an impressive hall where striking architecture meets modern cuisine. With its central location and unique atmosphere, the hotel is ideally placed for discovering Bergen on foot.
Another hotel I would recommend to you is Charmante Skostredet Hôtel. This hotel offers a unique stay, defined by its lively palette and richly detailed interiors. Echoes of early 20th-century Paris infuse the atmosphere, creating a sense of refined nostalgia.
At Brasserie Chérie, traditional French dishes are reinterpreted with modern flair, resulting in a memorable dining experience. Conveniently situated just moments from the light rail and the harbor, this is a great choice for when you want an unforgettable stay in the city centre.
If you’re drawn to a modern and clean style, Skostredet Hotel is a great option. It’s located in the city center and offers a peaceful, contemporary atmosphere. The design blends Scandinavian simplicity with Japanese touches. Interiors are bright and carefully put together, giving the space a fresh and calm feel.
The hotel is home to OMAKASE, a restaurant where the chef serves a Japanese-inspired seafood menu in multiple courses, using both local ingredients and select imports. You’ll also find a flower shop, a Nordic-style garden, and a spa opening soon. It’s a comfortable and stylish place to unwind.
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Saturday
Morning
On Saturday morning, start your day after a good night’s sleep at one of the many hotels in town. Have breakfast at the hotel, or visit one of the cafés listed in this guide if you prefer to eat out.
When you find yourself in Bergen, you have the perfect opportunity to explore the magnificent Norwegian fjords. Bergen is a great starting point, as it offers easy access to the fjords, with scenic cruises departing right from the harbor in the city center.
The Mostraumen Fjord Cruise is one such experience worth trying. One of the best things about this cruise is that it’s easy to fit into a weekend trip to Bergen, as it only lasts about three hours. It’s the perfect day trip where you get to see the fjords and still have time left in the day to explore the city once you’re back.
The earliest cruise to Mostraumen departs at 10:30, which gives you plenty of time to return for dinner in Bergen. If you prefer a slower morning and would rather head out later, there’s also a 15:00 departure. Enjoy the sea breeze, take in the stunning views, and snap plenty of photos to remember this unique experience!
Afternoon
When stepping off the fjord cruise, you find yourself right next to the famous Bergen Fish Market. This is a historic place where the people of Bergen used to get fresh seafood back in the day. Today, there is still a fish market where you can browse and sit down to try various fresh seafood dishes. There are also indoor restaurants built at Mathallen (the food hall), such as Fish Me and Fjellskål. Here, you can browse or sit down at an indoor restaurant to enjoy a tasty meal, snack, or drink.
Even if seafood isn’t your thing, it’s still worth walking through the market. It’s often lively and full of activity. Every other Saturday, a farmer’s market joins in. Here you’ll find high-quality, seasonal produce from local growers. It runs from 10:00 to 16:00. You might even pick up a tasty gift to take home—perhaps a jar of locally made jam.
If you’re in the mood to eat elsewhere, try Bien Centro for Italian pizza or Stefanos for classic Italian dishes. For burgers, head to Burgeren or Dirty Vegan. If you’re after traditional Norwegian food, consider Bryggeloftet & Stuene or Bryggen Tracteursted, both located at the historic Bryggen. For more places to eat, check our full restaurant guide.
You can also explore the city through one of the guided food and culture tours. It’s a simple way to get a taste of local life while learning about the area.
If you want to do some shopping during your weekend trip, this is a good time to treat yourself. Most shops and malls close at 18:00 on Saturdays, so try to go earlier in the day. A few places stay open longer, but it’s best not to count on it.
For something different, visit Heim, Gløtt, and Blekk. Heim and Gløtt offer colorful and playful items for the home. They’re also great for finding unique gifts. I often stop by when I need a fun gift for a loved one. Blekk focuses on art and prints by local artists and is well worth a look. You can find more store tips in this post.
If you enjoy secondhand shopping, Bergen has some great thrift stores. Det Gule Hus and Episode are two favorites, with plenty to explore. For more vintage/thrift shops, check out our full guide.
Evening
Mount Fløyen is one of the seven mountains around Bergen and a popular spot to visit. From the top, you get a great view of the city. If you go in the evening, you might catch a beautiful sunset. You can take the Fløibanen funicular, which takes 4 to 8 minutes. If you prefer walking, the hike up takes about 30 to 45 minutes. It’s not too hard, but be prepared to break a sweat. No special gear is needed.
At the top, you’ll find a café, a shop, and more hiking trails. A short walk around the small lake Skomakerdiket is a quiet way to enjoy the area. You can also take photos with the troll statues and enjoy the view.
Back in the city, you might be ready for something fun. Bergen Camping offers minigolf, and ParkN Play has other games as well. For a calm spot to enjoy a beer, try Baran. Kråken is a good choice for fans of rock and metal. Rævadilter is also worth a visit. See even more bars & pubs here.
If you’re out late, it’s common in Norway to grab some “nattmat,” which means a quick meal before heading home after a night out. Trekroneren is the perfect place for this. It is a small stand known for its tasty hot dogs. Many consider them among the best in Norway.
Sunday
Morning
Gamle Bergen is a nice place to spend your Sunday morning. The museum opens at 10:00 and gives you a close look at Bergen’s past. You can walk among historic buildings and explore exhibits that show how people once lived.
To get there, take bus number 12 (Lønborglien), 4 (Flaktveit), or 3 (Støbotn) from Torget or Bryggen. Get off at the stop called Gamle Bergen. From there, it’s just a short walk to the museum.
Take your time as you explore. You can visit the café for a snack or sit by the small ponds and watch the ducks.
Nearby, you’ll also find Sandviken sjøbad. If the weather is warm, bring your swimwear and go for a swim before heading back.
Afternoon
After your visit to Gamle Bergen, head back to the city centre. This is a good time to fit in one last cultural or historical activity before leaving. A guided tour can be a useful way to see more of the city and learn about its past. It also helps you find key landmarks you might otherwise miss. The guides know the city well and give clear, informative overviews of the main sights.
You’ll find a few of the best-rated tours listed below. These include classic walking tours, Segway options, and private tours that can be tailored to your interests.
Another option is to visit one of the city’s museums. Whether you’re into history, art, or science, there are many interesting places to explore. Det Hanseatiske Museum, KODE Art Museum, The University Museum of Bergen and Bryggens Museum are some really good ones!
Evening
As the evening sets in and your weekend in Bergen comes to an end, you might start to feel the pace of the past few days. A quiet coffee with a view can be a good way to round things off. Baker Brun at Bryggen is a peaceful spot to relax and take in the last bit of the city. If you prefer something more lively, Apollon might suit you better. You can enjoy a cold beer while browsing their record shop. Or maybe you’re in the mood for ice cream—Hallaisen offers unique and flavorful options worth trying before you go.
If you still have energy and want to see more, take a walk toward Nordnesparken. The small streets and alleys along the way are full of charm, with colorful houses and plenty of photo-worthy corners. At the tip of the area, Nordnesparken offers views of Laksevåg, Askøy, and Sandviken. Løvetann Café & Bistro is nearby and open until 21:00 on Sundays, making it a nice last stop.
Sooner or later, your weekend in Bergen comes to an end. I hope this guide has been helpful and that the city leaves you wanting to return. Wishing you a great trip.
Before you go, feel free to explore our archive. There you will also find a post on how to spend 24 hours in Bergen.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links to Viator. If you book a tour through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site and allows us to continue sharing travel tips. Thank you for your support!