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

Should you visit Bruges or Venice?

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 Venice. 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. 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.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural 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, food, and shopping.

Bruges and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Venice is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Bruges attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Bruges is famous for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Venice is famous for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica.

How is Bruges different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Bruges offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Bruges is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Bruges or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice 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 Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Bruges or Venice Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Venice?

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

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Bruges or Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bruges and Venice 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Bruges or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Venice is very popular 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.

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Bruges and Venice 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Venice?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Bruges 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 Venice.

One day in Bruges or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. 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 Venice?

Bruges 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.

Venice 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 Venice?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Venice?

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

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 Venice in the Summer?

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

Bruges is cooler than Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Venice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Venice. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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 Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bruges is cooler than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Venice. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Venice in the Winter?

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

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

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Venice in the Spring?

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

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

In the spring, Bruges often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Bruges