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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Bruges?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Bruges can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a friendly, happy, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a charming, historic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bruges is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Bruges.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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.

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Copenhagen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. 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 Copenhagen or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is renowned for its old town. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Bruges?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen specifically to go shopping. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Bruges Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen and Bruges are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Bruges Better for Students?

Copenhagen is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Many students visit Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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 Copenhagen or Bruges a more walkable city?

Copenhagen and Bruges are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Bruges. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the charming 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.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Bruges?

Copenhagen 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.

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.

Five days in Copenhagen or Bruges?

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

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.

A week in Copenhagen or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the happy destination of Copenhagen. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Bruges?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Bruges?

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 Copenhagen or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Bruges. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Bruges. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bruges can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen can get quite cold in the winter. Copenhagen is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Bruges. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Copenhagen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Copenhagen is cooler than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bruges. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Copenhagen