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

Should you visit Grindelwald or Bruges?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Grindelwald and Bruges can help you decide which place is right for you.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a breathtaking, beautiful, and adventure-filled town. With plenty of 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 hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Grindelwald and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bruges. Although Grindelwald and Bruges are popular destinations, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Grindelwald attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Bruges is more touristy than Grindelwald and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also well known for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Grindelwald is famous for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery.

How is Grindelwald different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Bruges Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is great for skiing. However, Bruges is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Bruges is not a skiing destination.

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

Bruges is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Bruges specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

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

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

Dining out in Bruges is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Grindelwald. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

Is Grindelwald or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

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

Grindelwald has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

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 Grindelwald or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Bruges is revered around the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Bruges Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is very popular for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Grindelwald is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Bruges?

Bruges is very good for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Bruges to go 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.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Is Grindelwald or Bruges Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Grindelwald. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

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 Grindelwald or Bruges Better for Couples?

Both Grindelwald and Bruges are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Grindelwald frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

Bruges is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Grindelwald or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald and Bruges are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Grindelwald is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Grindelwald and Bruges.

You'll find some public transit in Grindelwald, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel around the region.

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Grindelwald or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Grindelwald is somewhat walkable. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Bruges?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bruges than Grindelwald. 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 Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald or Bruges?

Grindelwald might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Bruges?

Grindelwald is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Bruges. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Grindelwald or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grindelwald. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

The historic city of Bruges offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Grindelwald or Bruges?

Grindelwald is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Bruges?

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

Both Bruges and Grindelwald during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Grindelwald in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Grindelwald is a little warmer than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Bruges, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Grindelwald. In the summer, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in July than Bruges. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Bruges. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grindelwald in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Bruges. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Bruges. The winter months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bruges in the winter. The weather in Grindelwald can be very cold. In January, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 5°C (41°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald usually gets more rain in January than Bruges. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty.

Grindelwald is much warmer than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during spring. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In April, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Bruges. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Grindelwald