A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Bruges for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Bruges?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Bruges. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a diverse, dramatic, and scenic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful 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.

Isle of Skye and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Bruges?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bruges than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bruges is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Bruges is more touristy than Isle of Skye 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). Isle of Skye is well known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles.

How is Isle of Skye different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Bruges?

Bruges is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Bruges.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Bruges Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is great for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Isle of Skye for it's beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is terrific for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Bruges has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Bruges Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is very popular for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Isle of Skye is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Bruges?

Bruges is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Bruges Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Bruges are notable family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

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 Isle of Skye or Bruges Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Bruges both excellent destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye and Bruges are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Isle of Skye is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Bruges is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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 Isle of Skye or Bruges Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bruges is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye 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 limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is terrific for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Bruges?

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

Families should spend more time in Bruges than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Bruges?

Isle of Skye 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.

Bruges is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Isle of Skye. This island 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 to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Bruges, we can see that Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Bruges Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Bruges?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Bruges. The summer months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Bruges. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Bruges. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Isle of Skye is cooler than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Bruges. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Isle of Skye. In the winter, Isle of Skye is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Bruges. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Isle of Skye during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Isle of Skye