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

Should you visit Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a scholarly, charming, and historic university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cambridge and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Bruges?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bruges than Cambridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bruges is better known for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cambridge is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Bruges is more touristy than Cambridge and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Also, Bruges is famous for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Cambridge is well known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

How is Cambridge different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Cambridge or Bruges.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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 Cambridge or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cambridge and Bruges offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

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.

Is Cambridge or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Both Cambridge and Bruges have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cambridge. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Bruges has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Cambridge or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Bruges can be explored in its historical center. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Bruges?

Cambridge 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 Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

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 Cambridge or Bruges Better for Families?

Both Cambridge and Bruges are notable family-friendly destinations.

Cambridge is a family-friendly university town. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

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.

Is Cambridge or Bruges Better for Couples?

Cambridge and Bruges both excellent destinations for a couple.

Cambridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

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.

Is Cambridge or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Cambridge or Bruges Better for Students?

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

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cambridge and Bruges.

Cambridge has some public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

You'll find some public transit in Bruges, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Cambridge or Bruges a more walkable city?

Cambridge and Bruges are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cambridge and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bruges than in Cambridge. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cambridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

Families should spend more time in Bruges than Cambridge. 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.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cambridge. 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 Cambridge or Bruges?

Cambridge 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 cultural 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 Cambridge or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. 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 beautiful 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 Cambridge or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the collegiate destination of Cambridge. This university town 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 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Bruges?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.