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

Should you visit Bruges or Bergen?

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 Bergen. 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 cultural, beautiful, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Bergen?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bruges than Bergen. While Bergen is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergen attracts visitors for its shopping and small town charm. Bruges is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also well known for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

How is Bruges different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Bruges is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Bruges is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Bruges or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Bruges and Bergen.

If you're looking for night time activities Bruges has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Bruges or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

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

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Bergen?

Bergen 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 Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen 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 Bergen. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen Better for Couples?

Bruges and Bergen both superb destinations for a couple.

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.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Bruges or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is notable for backpackers. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bruges is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Bruges or Bergen Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Bergen 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 Bergen. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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 Bruges or Bergen a more walkable city?

Bruges is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Bergen?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bruges than Bergen. 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 Bergen 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 Bergen?

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.

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

A weekend in Bruges or Bergen?

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.

Bergen 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 Bergen?

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.

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

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Bergen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bruges and Bergen, we can see that Bruges is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bruges would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bruges than you might in Bergen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bruges Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Bruges during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Bruges is a little warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bruges usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Bergen. Many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Bruges is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bruges usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bruges is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

Bruges is a little warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Bergen. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Bruges