Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Bruges?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal 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.
Where Should I go: Funchal or Bruges?
Funchal
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.
Bruges
Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Bruges €123
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Bruges is €123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Funchal and Bruges in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Bruges €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Bruges €118
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Bruges
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Bruges? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Funchal Hotel Prices and Bruges Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Bruges €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:
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Five Day Bus Pass€15
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Bike Rental for Day€8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges
Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shuttle Transfer Bruges <-> Paris (1 to 8 PLACES): $291
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $291
- Transfer Shuttle Bruges <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $291
- Private Direct Transfer From Bruges to Amsterdam: $274
- Brussels airport transfer (BRU) <-> from or to Bruges (3 pax sedan): $261
- Transfer Bruges <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 - 8 Places): $229
- Transfer Ghent <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
- Private Transfer from ZeeBrugge or Bruges to Antwerp By Luxury car: $163
- Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $152
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels : $143
- Brugge Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Brugge: $111
- PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Bruges?
Prices for flights to both Bruges and Funchal change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayFunchal €31Bruges €52
Typical Food Prices in Funchal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:
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Coffee€1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal
For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $31
- Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
- Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
Typical Food Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:
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Cup of Tea€2.00
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Sandwich for Lunch€3.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $133
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Bruges €15
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Low Cost Wheelchair Handicap Half Day Tour, Fully Accessible Tour : $76
- “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $47
- 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $71
- Accessible Half Day Tour Cabo Girão: $120
- Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $158
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day: $60
- Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $49
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
- Around the island - Two days tour: $82
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Groeninge Museum Entrance€8.00
Tours and Activities in Bruges
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.
- "Essential Brugge" Photo Tour (3hr private city tour & workshop): $273
- "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour (2hr open city tour & workshop): $76
- "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour (3hr private city tour & workshop): $273
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Bruges: $229
- BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $55
- Beery Bruges Tasting Tour: $58
- Bike Your Way Through Bruges A Fun & Active Sightseeing Adventure: $44
- Breathtaking Bruges - Private Walking Tour: $152
- Bruges : Highlights & Hidden gems Walking Tour: $80
- Bruges Beer Tour with chocolate pairing by a young local: $60
- Bruges Beer and Chocolate Walking Tour: $95
- Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Stories, Mysteries and People: $3.21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Bruges €11
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $49
- Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $53
- Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $53
- Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $56
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $97
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $102
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
- Wine Tour by Overland Madeira: $150
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
Sample the Local Flavors in Bruges
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:
- Bruges Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
- Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $17
- Private: Discover Bruges beers & brewery with chocolate pairing by a young local: $191
- Beer walking tour with visit Brewery Bourgogne de Flandres: $642
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Bruges, we can see that Bruges is more expensive. And not only is Funchal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Funchal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Funchal 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 Bruges would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bruges than you might in Funchal.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Bruges Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Bruges?
Bruges has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal 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 Funchal 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 Funchal or Bruges in the Summer?
Both Bruges and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Bruges. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Bruges. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Bruges 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bruges in the Autumn?
Both Bruges and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.
In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Bruges. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Bruges 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bruges in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Bruges. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. Funchal is much warmer than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Bruges. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Bruges 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Bruges in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Bruges. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Bruges 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Bruges and Funchal
| Funchal | Bruges | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.