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

Should you visit Interlaken 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 Interlaken and Bruges can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming 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.

Interlaken and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Bruges?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bruges than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bruges is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Interlaken is well known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Bruges is well known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Also, Bruges is famous for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square).

How is Interlaken different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Bruges Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for skiing. However, Bruges is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Bruges is not a skiing destination.

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

Bruges is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Bruges both to be high quality destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Interlaken or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Bruges Better for Hiking?

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

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Bruges?

Bruges is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Bruges Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Bruges Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for couples. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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.

Is Interlaken or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Bruges. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bruges than Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Bruges, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bruges, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Bruges?

Interlaken 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bruges, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

Bruges, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the stunning destination of Interlaken. 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.

Bruges is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Bruges?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Bruges. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Bruges. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Bruges. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing 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 Interlaken can be very cold. In the winter, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Bruges. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty.

In April, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Interlaken