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

Should you visit Bruges or Hannover?

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 Hannover. 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, cultural, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Hannover

Hannover is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Hannover?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hannover than Bruges. Hannover is bigger than Bruges, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hannover is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Bruges is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Hannover and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Hannover is well known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen.

How is Bruges different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.

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

Bruges is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bruges. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Bruges or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

Hannover 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 Hannover for the nightlife scene. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

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 Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Bruges has a world-famous historical area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Many people head to Hannover to see the old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Hannover?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bruges and Hannover both offer plenty of notable 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.

Hannover is a great destination for shopping. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Bruges or Hannover Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Hannover are notable 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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Bruges or Hannover Better for Couples?

Bruges is a great city for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Is Bruges or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bruges is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Bruges or Hannover Better for Students?

Hannover is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Many students visit Hannover. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Hannover is great 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hannover. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

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 Hannover a more walkable city?

Bruges is very popular for its walkability. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Hannover is a very walkable city. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bruges or Hannover to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bruges than Hannover 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 Hannover.

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

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.

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

A weekend in Bruges or Hannover?

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.

Hannover 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 Hannover?

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 Hannover. 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 Hannover?

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 cultural destination of Hannover. This city 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, and The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bruges and Hannover, we can see that Hannover is more expensive. And not only is Bruges much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bruges would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bruges 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 Hannover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hannover than you might in Bruges.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Hannover?

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

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 Hannover in the Summer?

Both Hannover and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

In the summer, Bruges is around the same temperature as Hannover. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Hannover averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hannover. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Hannover in the Autumn?

Both Hannover and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hannover for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bruges is generally a little warmer than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in October than Hannover. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Hannover in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Hannover. Many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hannover in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hannover can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. Bruges is much warmer than Hannover in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Hannover fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Bruges usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives more rain than Hannover. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Hannover in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Hannover. Many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Hannover for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Bruges is around the same temperature as Hannover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Hannover averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Hannover. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hannover and Bruges