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

Should you visit Bruges or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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 charming, historic, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bruges and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Bruges and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Bruges is known for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Hvar is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort.

How is Bruges different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Both Bruges and Hvar offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hvar makes for a great culinary experience. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Bruges or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Hvar is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar 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 Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bruges or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Bruges is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Bruges or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Hvar?

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

Hvar is a great destination for shopping. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Bruges or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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 Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Bruges and Hvar both very good 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.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Bruges or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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 Hvar, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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

Bruges and Hvar 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.

Hvar has a few public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Bruges or Hvar a more walkable city?

Bruges is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Bruges or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bruges, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bruges or Hvar?

Bruges is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bruges. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

The cultural city of Bruges offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Hvar. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Hvar?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Bruges during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bruges is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 17°C (63°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bruges. In the summer, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Hvar. The autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Bruges is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Hvar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bruges in the winter. In the winter, Bruges is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Bruges is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Hvar. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Bruges