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

Should you visit Athens or Bruges?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Bruges. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bruges attracts visitors for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Athens and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Bruges offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Athens or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

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

Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Athens and Bruges.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Bruges can be explored in its historical center. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Bruges?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Bruges both offer plenty of nice spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Athens or Bruges Better for Families?

Athens 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 Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Bruges is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Bruges Better for Students?

Athens is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Athens 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 Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Athens?

How long in Athens or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Bruges. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Bruges?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Bruges?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bruges 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.

Five days in Athens or Bruges?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Bruges?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Bruges, we can see that Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Bruges Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Bruges?

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

Both Bruges and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Bruges. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Bruges. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Bruges. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Bruges. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Bruges. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

Athens is much warmer than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Bruges. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Athens