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

Should you visit Bristol or Bruges?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Bruges can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a diverse, cultural, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a charming, historic, and cultural 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.

Bristol and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bristol is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bruges attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Bristol and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also well known for The Bristol Harbour.

How is Bristol different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Bruges and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bruges. 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 Bristol or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Bristol 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 Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Bruges offers plenty to see. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Bruges?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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 Bristol or Bruges Better for Families?

Both Bristol and Bruges are nice to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

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 Bristol or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges is great for couples. Also, Bristol 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Bruges Better for Students?

Bristol is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Bristol and Bruges both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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 Bristol or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bristol 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.

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bristol and Bruges. In our opinion, Bruges has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bruges than Bristol. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bruges than Bristol. 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 Bruges than Bristol 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 Bruges.

One day in Bristol or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bristol. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Bristol or Bruges?

Bristol 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 Bristol or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. 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.

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 Bristol or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bristol. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Bruges?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Bruges. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bristol or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Bristol during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bristol is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bristol in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in October than Bruges. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Bruges. Many visitors come to Bristol in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bruges can be very cold during winter. In January, Bristol is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 6°C (43°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives more rain than Bruges. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bristol or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Bruges. Most visitors come to Bristol for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty.

Bristol is a little warmer than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Bruges. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Bristol