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

Should you visit Bruges or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 beautiful, historic, and charming city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a charming, historic, and peaceful coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. 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 hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bruges and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Bruges, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Bruges is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Bruges is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Bruges different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bruges specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Bruges has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Bruges or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Bruges or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bruges or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Bruges and Kotor.

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 Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Bruges or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is very popular for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Kotor?

Bruges is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bruges or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Kotor 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.

Kotor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Bruges or Kotor Better for Couples?

Bruges and Kotor both high quality 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.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Bruges or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bruges and Kotor are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Bruges is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bruges, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Bruges or Kotor a more walkable city?

Bruges and Kotor are first-rate 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Kotor?

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Kotor?

In Bruges, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bruges or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bruges or Kotor?

Bruges is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Kotor?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bruges is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In the summer, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bruges is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Bruges usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Bruges during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Bruges can be very cold during winter. Bruges is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the spring, Bruges is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Bruges