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

Should you visit Bruges or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre. 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. 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 hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bruges and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Bruges and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Bruges attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Bruges is famous for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Cinque Terre is famous for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Bruges different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Bruges or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Bruges or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bruges or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

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

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Is Bruges or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Cinque Terre?

Bruges is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Bruges or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Cinque Terre are nice 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.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Bruges or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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

Bruges and Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre has a few public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Bruges or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Bruges and Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Cinque Terre?

In either Bruges or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bruges than Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

In Bruges, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bruges or Cinque Terre?

Bruges is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cinque Terre?

Bruges is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Cinque Terre?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bruges is cooler than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Bruges, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bruges is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Bruges usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

The weather in Bruges can be very cold. In January, Bruges is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Bruges usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Bruges during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Bruges is much colder than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Bruges