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

Should you visit Bruges or Bari?

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 Bari. 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, 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.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Bruges and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bari is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Bruges attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Bari and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Bruges different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Bari 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.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari 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 Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bruges or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari 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 Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a good destination for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

Bari offers a nice beach destination. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Bruges has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Bari?

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

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Bruges or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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 Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bruges or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Bruges or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bruges and Bari are excellent places to visit.

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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Bruges or Bari Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Bruges and Bari both offer nice 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.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Bruges or Bari a more walkable city?

Bruges is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Bari?

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. 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 Bari?

Bruges is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Bruges. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Don't miss the food, 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 Bari?

The beautiful city of Bruges offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Bari. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bruges or Bari in the Summer?

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

Bruges is cooler than Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Bari. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Bari in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Bruges is much colder than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Bari. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Bari in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. In January, Bruges is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bari. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Bari in the Spring?

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

Bruges is much colder than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Bari. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Bruges