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

Should you visit Bruges or Positano?

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 Positano. 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. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. 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 shopping, food, and beaches.

Bruges and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Bruges and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Bruges attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Bruges is famous for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Positano is famous for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

How is Bruges different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano 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 Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

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 Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Bruges or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Bruges or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bruges or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Positano offers a nice beach destination. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Bruges and Positano.

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 Positano is revered around the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Bruges or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is great for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Positano?

Positano is great for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

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.

Is Bruges or Positano Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Positano are nice 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Bruges or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is very popular for couples. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Bruges or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Bruges and Positano both offer nice 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.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Bruges or Positano a more walkable city?

Bruges and Positano are terrific 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 Positano on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Positano?

Both Bruges and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Bruges. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bruges, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bruges than Positano 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 Positano?

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.

Positano 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 Positano?

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.

Positano 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 Positano?

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 Positano. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bruges or Positano?

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.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bruges and Positano, we can see that Positano 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano 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 Positano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Positano?

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

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano 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 beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

Bruges is cooler than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Positano. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano 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. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bruges is cooler than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Positano. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bruges usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Positano in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. In January, Bruges is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bruges usually receives less rain than Positano. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Bruges is much colder than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Positano. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Bruges