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

Should you visit Bruges or Kinsale?

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 Kinsale. 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. 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.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Bruges and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Kinsale?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kinsale. Although Bruges and Kinsale are both popular with visitors, Kinsale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kinsale is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Bruges is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Kinsale and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Kinsale is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also home to Charles Fort.

How is Bruges different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

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 Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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

Kinsale 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 Kinsale, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Bruges or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is adequate for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its historic old town charm.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Bruges or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

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

Kinsale offers some nice hiking trails. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Kinsale?

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

Kinsale is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Bruges or Kinsale Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Kinsale are good 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Bruges or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Bruges is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

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.

Kinsale is a good city for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Bruges or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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

Bruges is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Bruges or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside 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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Kinsale?

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

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

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.

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bruges or Kinsale?

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.

Kinsale 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 Kinsale?

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 Kinsale. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Bruges or Kinsale?

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.

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Kinsale?

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

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 Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 17°C (63°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

Bruges is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Kinsale. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale 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 Kinsale. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kinsale averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bruges usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Kinsale. Many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Kinsale. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Bruges