A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Bruges for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or Bruges?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Bruges? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a high energy, relaxing, and luxurious vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Bruges

Bruges is a cultural, beautiful, and historic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antalya is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Bruges attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Antalya is famous for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Bruges is famous for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market.

How is Antalya different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Bruges?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Bruges and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Bruges specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Bruges can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Antalya is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Antalya for the nightlife scene. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its music scene. However, Bruges is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Resorts?

Antalya is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Beaches?

Antalya is very popular for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Hiking?

Antalya is great for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Antalya for the hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Bruges?

Antalya is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Families?

Antalya is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Bruges make for a superb place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Bruges frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Bruges are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Is Antalya or Bruges Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Antalya or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bruges. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Bruges. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Bruges. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antalya than Bruges. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antalya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Bruges 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bruges, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Bruges?

Antalya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Bruges, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bruges is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Antalya. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Bruges, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Bruges?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Bruges, 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 Antalya or Bruges?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Bruges. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.

Antalya is much warmer than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Bruges. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Bruges. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the autumn, Antalya is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antalya in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. In January, Antalya is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Antalya. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Bruges. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Antalya during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.

Antalya is much warmer than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bruges. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Antalya