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

Should you visit Bucharest or Bruges?

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 Bucharest and Bruges. 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bucharest than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bucharest is more popular for its big city activities, while Bruges is known for its museums, food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also home to The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bruges and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Bruges?

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Bruges is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bucharest and Bruges.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

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.

Is Bucharest or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is renowned for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Bruges is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Bruges?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bruges and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Bucharest or Bruges Better for Families?

Bruges is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest 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, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Bruges frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bruges is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

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

Bucharest 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 Bucharest. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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 Bucharest or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Bruges?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bucharest. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Bruges?

Bucharest 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Bruges?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Bruges. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the less touristy destination of Bucharest. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bruges is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Bruges?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Bruges, 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 Bucharest or Bruges?

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 Bucharest or Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the summer, Bucharest is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Bruges, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bruges. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Bruges. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Bruges. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Bruges. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. Bucharest is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Bucharest