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

Should you visit Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

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

Should I visit Inner Hebrides 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.

Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is a tranquil, stunning, and natural islands. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Bruges

Bruges is a cultural, beautiful, and historic 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.

Inner Hebrides and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bruges than Inner Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bruges is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Inner Hebrides is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Bruges is more touristy than Inner Hebrides 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). Inner Hebrides is well known for its rugged landscape, beautiful coastline, and local whisky.

How is Inner Hebrides different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

Bruges is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bruges is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Inner Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Inner Hebrides. It wasn't long ago that there was a limited selection of restaurants on the islands, but these days you shouldn't have much trouble finding some Scottish classics. The area continues to grow its restaurant scene, which highlights regional ingredients and the local whisky distilleries.

Is Inner Hebrides or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is a popular place for nightlife. However, Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Inner Hebrides or Bruges Better for Beaches?

Inner Hebrides is great for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Inner Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. The islands offer a truly unexpected sight, with white sand beaches and blue waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Calgary Beach on the Isle of Mull, Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, and Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Inner Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Bruges offers plenty to see. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Inner Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Inner Hebrides or Bruges Better for Hiking?

Inner Hebrides is great for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Inner Hebrides for the hiking trails. To fully experience the area's natural beauty, you really should go on a few hikes. The hikes are varied in landscape, length, and skill level. Some of the favorites include Beinn an Òir, Coire Dubh, and Ben More.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

Bruges is a popular place for shopping. However, Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bruges. 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.

Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Bruges Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Inner Hebrides or Bruges.

Inner Hebrides is a family-friendly islands. Beaches, wildlife spotting, and boat tours all make for a fun adventure for the whole family. These islands offer a unique and truly rewarding experience that is fun for everyone.

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 Inner Hebrides or Bruges Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Inner Hebrides and Bruges make for a superb place to visit.

Inner Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to move at a slower pace and soak up natural beauty will appreciate these islands. There are sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular views that offer both romance and a little adventure.

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 Inner Hebrides or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Inner Hebrides 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.

Inner Hebrides is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The islands have some campsites that let you fully enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.

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

Bruges is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Inner Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Inner Hebrides. Ferries and some local buses are available. It's also possible to find there-and-back day cruises to the islands.

Is Inner Hebrides or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Inner Hebrides?

How long in Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

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

Families should spend more time in Bruges than Inner Hebrides. 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 Inner Hebrides. 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 Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Inner Hebrides. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bruges, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

Inner Hebrides is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bruges is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inner Hebrides. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inner Hebrides or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the peaceful destination of Inner Hebrides. This islands 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint city of Bruges. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-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 Inner Hebrides and Bruges, we can see that Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides Expensive? and Is Bruges Expensive?.