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

Should you visit Bruges or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg. 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.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Strasbourg?

Both Strasbourg and Bruges have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Bruges is better known for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere, while Strasbourg is more popular for its shopping. Bruges is more touristy than Strasbourg and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Strasbourg is well known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses.

How is Bruges different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Strasbourg and Bruges.

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.

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Both Bruges and Strasbourg offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Strasbourg makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Bruges or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Bruges and Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Bruges or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Bruges or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Bruges and Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Is Bruges or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Bruges or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Strasbourg is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Bruges or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bruges and Strasbourg. In our opinion, Strasbourg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Strasbourg than Bruges. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bruges, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Bruges, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bruges, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bruges or Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bruges, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg?

Bruges, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg?

Bruges is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Strasbourg. This city 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bruges is cooler than Strasbourg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Strasbourg during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in October than Strasbourg. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Strasbourg in the Winter?

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

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. Bruges can be very cold during winter. Bruges is much warmer than Strasbourg in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bruges usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Strasbourg. The spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

In the spring, Bruges is cooler than Strasbourg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Strasbourg. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Bruges