A Travel Price Comparison for Belgium Bruges vs. Antwerp for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bruges or Antwerp?

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 Bruges and Antwerp. 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a genuine, cultural, and historical port 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 and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Antwerp?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antwerp is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bruges is known for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also home to Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Bruges different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Antwerp and Bruges.

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.

Antwerp offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

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

Bruges is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bruges. 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.

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Bruges or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp 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 Antwerp for the nightlife scene. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

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 Bruges or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors go to Antwerp to see the historical old town. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Antwerp?

Antwerp 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 Antwerp specifically to go shopping. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

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 Bruges or Antwerp Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Antwerp are good family-friendly destinations.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. 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.

Antwerp is a family-friendly place to visit. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Bruges or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Bruges is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Antwerp is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Bruges or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bruges is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Bruges or Antwerp Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Antwerp. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Bruges and Antwerp both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Antwerp has a few public transit options. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Bruges or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Antwerp is a very walkable destination. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Antwerp?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bruges than Antwerp 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 Bruges or Antwerp?

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.

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

A weekend in Bruges or Antwerp?

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.

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bruges or Antwerp?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Bruges or Antwerp?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Antwerp. This port 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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Bruges and Antwerp, 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 Bruges Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Antwerp?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bruges or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Antwerp. Many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 17°C (63°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In the summer, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Antwerp. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Bruges is around the same temperature as Antwerp in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bruges usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antwerp. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Bruges during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. Bruges can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bruges is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Antwerp averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Antwerp. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Antwerp. The spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In April, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bruges usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antwerp. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Bruges