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

Should you visit Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a youthful , adventurous, and high energy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Bruges

Bruges is a charming, historic, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Innsbruck. Although Innsbruck and Bruges are both popular with visitors, Innsbruck has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Innsbruck is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking, while Bruges is known for its museums, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also home to The Golden Roof in the old town. Bruges is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market.

The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Innsbruck different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Bruges Better for Skiing?

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

Innsbruck draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Bruges is not a skiing destination.

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

Bruges is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Innsbruck and Bruges offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Innsbruck or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Innsbruck for the nightlife scene. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

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 Innsbruck or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Both Innsbruck and Bruges have fantastic historic old towns worth visiting.

Innsbruck has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

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.

Is Innsbruck or Bruges Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is great for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Innsbruck for the hiking trails. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Bruges?

Bruges is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bruges offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Bruges Better for Families?

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck or Bruges Better for Couples?

Both Innsbruck and Bruges are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Innsbruck is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Bruges makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Innsbruck or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Innsbruck and Bruges are very good destinations for backpackers.

Innsbruck is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Is Innsbruck or Bruges Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Innsbruck is great 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Innsbruck. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

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 Innsbruck or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Innsbruck is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Innsbruck and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Innsbruck than in Bruges. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Innsbruck, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

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

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

One day in Innsbruck or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Innsbruck. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Innsbruck or Bruges?

Innsbruck 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Innsbruck or Bruges?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Bruges. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Innsbruck or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Innsbruck. This city 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.

Bruges is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Innsbruck and Bruges, we can see that Innsbruck is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Innsbruck Expensive? and Is Bruges Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Bruges?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck 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.