A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bruges vs. Dingle for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bruges or Dingle?

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 Dingle. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dingle

Dingle is a natural, scenic, and rustic peninsula. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Bruges and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Dingle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bruges. Although Bruges and Dingle are popular destinations, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Dingle attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Bruges is more touristy than Dingle 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). Dingle is famous for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs.

How is Bruges different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

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

Bruges is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Dingle. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Bruges or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

Bruges has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Bruges or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Dingle is great for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Dingle for it's beautiful beaches. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Dingle Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Bruges offers plenty to see. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Bruges or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is great for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Dingle?

Bruges is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Bruges to go 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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bruges or Dingle Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Dingle 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.

Dingle is a family-friendly place to visit. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Bruges or Dingle Better for Couples?

Bruges and Dingle 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.

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for couples. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Bruges or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bruges and Dingle are superb 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 Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

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

Bruges is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bruges, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Bruges or Dingle a more walkable city?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Dingle is generally not a very walkable city. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Dingle?

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

Families should spend more time in Bruges than Dingle. 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 Bruges than Dingle. 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 Dingle 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 Dingle?

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 food when visiting the destination of Dingle. 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 Dingle?

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.

Dingle 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle. 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 Dingle?

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 food when visiting the scenic destination of Dingle. This peninsula 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 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Dingle?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Dingle, 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Dingle. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bruges is a little warmer than Dingle in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In the summer, Bruges often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in July than Dingle. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Dingle in the Autumn?

Both Dingle and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dingle in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bruges is around the same temperature as Dingle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Dingle averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Bruges usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In October, Bruges usually receives less rain than Dingle. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Bruges during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dingle for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bruges is generally much colder than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Dingle. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Dingle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Dingle. Most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Dingle because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Bruges is around the same temperature as Dingle in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bruges usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Dingle. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Bruges