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

Should you visit Bruges or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans. 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. 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.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Bruges and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Le Mans?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bruges than Le Mans. While Le Mans is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bruges is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Le Mans is more popular for its small town charm. Bruges is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Also, Bruges is famous for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Bruges different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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

Bruges is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Bruges or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Bruges and Le Mans.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Bruges or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Bruges is revered around the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Le Mans?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bruges or Le Mans Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Bruges or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Bruges is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Bruges or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

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

Bruges and Le Mans both offer notable 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Bruges or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bruges and Le Mans. In our opinion, Bruges has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bruges than Le Mans. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bruges than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

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 nightlife when visiting the destination of Le Mans. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bruges or Le Mans?

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.

Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans?

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 nightlife and museums when visiting the small destination of Le Mans. 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Le Mans?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bruges is around the same temperature as Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Bruges during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in October than Le Mans. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Le Mans. Most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Le Mans can be very cold. Bruges can be very cold during winter. Bruges is cooler than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Le Mans. The spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

In the spring, Bruges is cooler than Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Bruges