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

Should you visit Bruges or Bamberg?

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 Bamberg. 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 historic, charming, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a storybook, historic, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Bruges and Bamberg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Bruges or Bamberg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bruges than Bamberg. Bruges is bigger than Bamberg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bruges is more touristy than Bamberg and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Also, Bruges is famous for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Bamberg is well known for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings.

How is Bruges different from Bamberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bamberg 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 Bamberg?

Bruges
Bamberg

Bruges is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bruges can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Bamberg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.


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

Bruges
Bamberg

Bruges is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Bamberg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Is Bruges or Bamberg Better for Nightlife?

Bruges
Bamberg

Bruges is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Bamberg is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

Is Bruges or Bamberg Better for its Old Town?

Bruges
Bamberg

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Bruges and Bamberg.

Bruges has a world-famous historical area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

The historic old town of Bamberg is revered around the world. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.


Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Bamberg?

Bruges
Bamberg

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

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Bamberg is a great destination for shopping. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Is Bruges or Bamberg Better for Families?

Bruges
Bamberg

Both Bruges and Bamberg are notable 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.

Bamberg is a family-friendly place to visit. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Bruges or Bamberg Better for Couples?

Bruges
Bamberg

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

Bamberg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Bruges or Bamberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges
Bamberg

Bruges is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Bamberg is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

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

Bruges
Bamberg

Bruges and Bamberg both offer notable 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.

Bamberg has a few public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

Is Bruges or Bamberg a more walkable city?

Bruges
Bamberg

Bruges and Bamberg are world-class when it comes to 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.

It is easy to get around Bamberg on foot. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Bamberg or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Bamberg?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bruges or Bamberg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bruges 1-3 
    Bamberg 1-3

One day in Bruges or Bamberg?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bamberg. 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 Bamberg?

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.

Bamberg 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 Bruges or Bamberg?

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 Bamberg. 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 Bamberg?

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 scenic destination of Bamberg. This town 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Bamberg or Bruges?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bruges is €123, while the average daily cost in Bamberg is €127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bruges and Bamberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bruges 59
    Bamberg 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bruges 118
    Bamberg 150
Compare Hotels in Bruges and Bamberg

Looking for a hotel in Bruges or Bamberg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bruges


Hotels in Bamberg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bruges Hotel Prices and Bamberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bruges 17
    Bamberg 14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:


  • Five Day Bus Pass
    15
  • Bike Rental for Day
    8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges

Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bruges hotel to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Bruges to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels : $33
  • Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $33
  • PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $86
  • Brugge Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Brugge: $111
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels : $143
  • Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $152
  • Private Transfer from ZeeBrugge or Bruges to Antwerp By Luxury car: $163
  • Transfer Ghent <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
  • Transfer Bruges <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 - 8 Places): $229
  • Brussels airport transfer (BRU) <-> from or to Bruges (3 pax sedan): $261

Is it cheaper to fly into Bruges or Bamberg?

Prices for flights to both Bamberg and Bruges change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bruges 52
    Bamberg 41
Typical Food Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:


  • Cup of Tea
    2.00
  • Sandwich for Lunch
    3.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $133
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $142

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bruges 15
    Bamberg 17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Groeninge Museum Entrance
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Bruges

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.

  • Self-Guided City Game and Audio Tour App: $2.67
  • Unforgettable Sightseeings, History and Tasting.: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Stories, Mysteries and People: $3.21
  • Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips: $3.27
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges: $3.27
  • Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges: $3.27
  • Walking Tour Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People: $3.28
  • Bruges city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Bruges: $5.46
  • Medieval A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Tours and Activities in Bamberg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bamberg are as follows:

  • Bamberg Countryside Breweries Beer Hike Food Experience (departs Bamberg): $281
  • Bamberg Crime-Trail: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bamberg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $240
  • 1-Hour Theatrical Humor Tour with Costumed Guide: $19
  • Altenburg Burg Tour: $14
  • Bar & Club Tour with free drinks & VIP entry: $31
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Guided Beer History Tour with Optional Tasting: $16
  • Guided Historical Culinary Tour: $27
  • Guided Tour of the Gardeners' District: $17
  • Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Historical Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bruges 11
    Bamberg 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Bruges

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:

  • Bruges Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $17
  • Private: Discover Bruges beers & brewery with chocolate pairing by a young local: $191
  • Beer walking tour with visit Brewery Bourgogne de Flandres: $642

Sample the Local Flavors in Bamberg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bamberg:

  • Historical City Tour in German with Brewery Visit: $17
  • Beer & Brewery Tour - 2 Hour: $37


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


Which is Bigger, Bruges or Bamberg?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Bamberg. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Bamberg, 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 Bamberg?

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 Bamberg in the Summer?

Both Bamberg and Bruges during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bamberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bruges is cooler than Bamberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bamberg averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Bamberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bruges. In the summer, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 217 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Bamberg. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bruges 17°C (63°F) 
    Bamberg 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Bruges or Bamberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Bamberg. Most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bamberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bruges is generally a little warmer than Bamberg. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Bamberg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bruges usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bruges usually receives more rain than Bamberg. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bruges 12°C (54°F) 
    Bamberg 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bruges or Bamberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Bamberg. The winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bamberg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bamberg in the winter. The weather in Bruges can be very cold. Bruges is much warmer than Bamberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bamberg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets more sunshine than Bamberg. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bamberg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in January than Bamberg. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bruges 3°C (38°F) 
    Bamberg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Bruges or Bamberg in the Spring?

Both Bamberg and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bamberg for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bruges is cooler than Bamberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bamberg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Bruges usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bamberg during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bamberg receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bamberg. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bamberg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bruges 8°C (47°F) 
    Bamberg 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bamberg and Bruges

Bruges Bamberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 0°C (33°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)