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

Should you visit Bruges or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik. 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. 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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a historic, charming, and famous coastal town. 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.

Bruges and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Dubrovnik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Bruges and Dubrovnik are popular destinations, Dubrovnik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is famous for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also well known for The Old Town Walls.

How is Bruges different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Bruges or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is great for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Dubrovnik to choose from. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Bruges or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bruges or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

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

Dubrovnik offers a nice beach destination. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Bruges and Dubrovnik.

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 Dubrovnik is revered around the world. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Is Bruges or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Dubrovnik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bruges and Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for shopping. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Bruges or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik, as it is a very popular coastal town for budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bruges and Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Bruges or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Bruges and Dubrovnik are amazing 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 Dubrovnik on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Dubrovnik?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bruges or Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Bruges. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Dubrovnik. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Dubrovnik?

Bruges is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Dubrovnik?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bruges is cooler than Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bruges is cooler than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bruges usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Dubrovnik. Many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bruges is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bruges usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Dubrovnik. Most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Bruges