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

Should you visit Bruges or Giverny?

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 Giverny. 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Giverny

Giverny is a picturesque, peaceful, and serene town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Bruges and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bruges or Giverny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bruges. Although Bruges and Giverny are both popular with visitors, Bruges has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bruges is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Giverny is known for its small town charm. Bruges is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also home to Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Giverny is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet.

How is Bruges different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges
Giverny

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

Giverny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.


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

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Bruges or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bruges or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Giverny?

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bruges. 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bruges or Giverny Better for Families?

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Bruges or Giverny Better for Couples?

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges and Giverny 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.

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.


Is Bruges or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Giverny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges and Giverny both offer good 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.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Bruges or Giverny a more walkable city?

Bruges
Giverny

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).


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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bruges or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bruges than Giverny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bruges, and 1-2 days is enough time in Giverny.

Families should spend more time in Bruges than Giverny. 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 Giverny. 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 Giverny 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.


  • How many days in Bruges or Giverny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bruges 1-3 
    Giverny 1-2

One day in Bruges or Giverny?

In Bruges, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Bruges or Giverny?

In Bruges, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges has to offer.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

Bruges is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the inspiring destination of Giverny. This town 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Bruges?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bruges is €123, while the average daily cost in Giverny is €125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bruges and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bruges 59
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bruges 118
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Bruges and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Bruges or Giverny? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bruges


Hotels in Giverny


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bruges Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bruges 17
    Giverny 48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:


  • Five Day Bus Pass
    15
  • Bike Rental for Day
    8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges

Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer Bruges <-> Paris (1 to 8 PLACES): $291
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $291
  • Transfer Shuttle Bruges <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $291
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bruges to Amsterdam: $274
  • Brussels airport transfer (BRU) <-> from or to Bruges (3 pax sedan): $261
  • Transfer Bruges <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 - 8 Places): $229
  • Transfer Ghent <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
  • Private Transfer from ZeeBrugge or Bruges to Antwerp By Luxury car: $163
  • Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $152
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels : $143
  • Brugge Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Brugge: $111
  • PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Bruges or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Bruges change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bruges 52
    Giverny 35
Typical Food Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:


  • Cup of Tea
    2.00
  • Sandwich for Lunch
    3.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $133
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $142

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bruges 15
    Giverny 26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Groeninge Museum Entrance
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Bruges

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.

  • "Essential Brugge" Photo Tour (3hr private city tour & workshop): $273
  • "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour (2hr open city tour & workshop): $76
  • "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour (3hr private city tour & workshop): $273
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Bruges: $229
  • BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $55
  • Beery Bruges Tasting Tour: $58
  • Bike Your Way Through Bruges A Fun & Active Sightseeing Adventure: $44
  • Breathtaking Bruges - Private Walking Tour: $152
  • Bruges : Highlights & Hidden gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bruges Beer Tour with chocolate pairing by a young local: $60
  • Bruges Beer and Chocolate Walking Tour: $95
  • Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Stories, Mysteries and People: $3.21

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bruges 11
    Giverny 6.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Bruges

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:

  • Bruges Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $17
  • Private: Discover Bruges beers & brewery with chocolate pairing by a young local: $191
  • Beer walking tour with visit Brewery Bourgogne de Flandres: $642


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


Which is Bigger, Bruges or Giverny?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny 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 Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bruges is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 17°C (63°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Giverny. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Giverny. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bruges 17°C (63°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Bruges or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny 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. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Bruges is around the same temperature as Giverny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in October than Giverny. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bruges 12°C (54°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Bruges or Giverny in the Winter?

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

Giverny can be very cold during winter. Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Bruges is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Giverny averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Giverny. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bruges 3°C (38°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Bruges or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Giverny. Most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Bruges is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Giverny. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bruges 8°C (47°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Bruges

Bruges Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)