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

Should you visit Bruges or Reims?

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 Reims. 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, charming, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Reims?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bruges than Reims. While Reims is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is very popular for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Reims attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Bruges is more touristy than Reims and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also well known for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Reims is famous for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Bruges different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bruges can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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 Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Bruges and Reims.

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 Reims. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Bruges or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Bruges has a world-famous historical area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Reims?

Reims 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Bruges is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bruges. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Bruges or Reims Better for Couples?

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

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bruges is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Reims is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Bruges and Reims 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.

Reims has a few public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Bruges or Reims a more walkable city?

Bruges is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Reims?

In either Bruges or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Bruges because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bruges, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

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

In Bruges, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reims. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bruges or Reims?

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.

Reims 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 Reims?

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 Reims. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Reims. This city 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Reims. Many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bruges is around the same temperature as Reims in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In the summer, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Reims. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Reims. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bruges is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Reims averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Reims during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bruges usually receives more rain than Reims. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Bruges during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. The weather in Bruges can be very cold. In January, Bruges is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Reims in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Reims. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty.

Bruges is cooler than Reims in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Reims during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reims. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reims and Bruges