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

Should you visit Dundee or Bruges?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Bruges? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a historic, coastal, and cultural 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 cultural, beautiful, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dundee or Bruges?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bruges than Dundee. While Dundee is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Dundee is more popular for its big city activities. Bruges is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Also, Bruges is famous for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Dundee is well known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bruges is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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

Bruges is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Both Dundee and Bruges are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Dundee or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Bruges offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Bruges?

Bruges is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Bruges Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dundee or Bruges.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Bruges is a family-friendly city. 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 Dundee or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Bruges Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Both Dundee and Bruges offer notable public transit options.

Dundee has a few public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Bruges has some 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 Dundee or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Bruges on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Bruges?

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

Families should spend more time in Bruges than Dundee. 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 Dundee. 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Bruges?

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

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.

A weekend in Dundee or Bruges?

Dundee 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.

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.

Five days in Dundee or Bruges?

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

A week in Dundee or Bruges?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dundee or Bruges?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Bruges. Most visitors come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dundee is generally cooler than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 14°C (58°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. In the summer, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in July than Bruges. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dundee or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

Dundee is cooler than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dundee usually receives less rain than Bruges. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dundee or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Dundee during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. It's quite cold in Dundee in the winter. In the winter, Dundee is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dundee in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Dundee often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in January than Bruges. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dundee or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Bruges. Many travelers come to Dundee for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Dundee is generally cooler than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 7°C (45°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during spring. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Bruges. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Dundee