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

Should you visit Bruges or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Bruges and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest 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 Budapest and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Bruges different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Bruges is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bruges has a huge number of terrific 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Bruges or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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 Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

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

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 go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Budapest?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Budapest 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Bruges or Budapest Better for Couples?

Bruges and Budapest both high quality 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Bruges or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other 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.

Is Bruges or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is very popular 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.

Budapest has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest a more walkable city?

Bruges and Budapest are first-rate 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 Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Budapest?

In either Bruges or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Bruges because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bruges, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Bruges or Budapest?

The beautiful city of Bruges offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bruges or Budapest?

Bruges is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bruges, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest 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 Budapest?

Bruges is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bruges or Budapest?

Bruges is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling big city of Budapest. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bruges and Budapest, we can see that Bruges is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bruges is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 17°C (63°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Budapest. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Budapest in the Autumn?

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

Bruges is around the same temperature as Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Budapest. Most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Bruges can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bruges is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives more rain than Budapest. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In April, Bruges is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Budapest. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Bruges