A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake District National Park vs. Bruges for Backpackers, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a spectacular, relaxing, and enjoyable national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake District National Park and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lake District National Park or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bruges. Although Lake District National Park and Bruges are popular destinations, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Lake District National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Bruges is more touristy than Lake District National Park and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also well known for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Lake District National Park is famous for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes.

How is Lake District National Park different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake District National Park or Bruges?

Bruges is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lake District National Park or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lake District National Park and Bruges both to be excellent destinations.

Lake District National Park has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Lake District National Park or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Lake District National Park or Bruges Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park is very popular for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Lake District National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake District National Park or Bruges?

Bruges is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Bruges Better for Families?

Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

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 Lake District National Park or Bruges Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park and Bruges both excellent destinations for a couple.

Lake District National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

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 Lake District National Park or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lake District National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Lake District National Park 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, Lake District National Park is lacking in 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 Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.

Is Lake District National Park or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Lake District National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lake District National Park and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Bruges. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bruges than Lake District National Park. 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 Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Lake District National Park. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Bruges?

Lake District National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Bruges for a weekend. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake District National Park. 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.

The beautiful destination of Bruges offers shopping and museums. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. 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 Lake District National Park or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful destination of Lake District National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Bruges, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake District National Park and Bruges, we can see that Bruges is more expensive. And not only is Lake District National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake District National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake District National Park 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 Bruges would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bruges than you might in Lake District National Park.

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

When is the best time to visit Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Bruges. The summer months attract visitors to Lake District National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

Lake District National Park is cooler than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during summer. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Bruges. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Bruges. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lake District National Park is cooler than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lake District National Park in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in October than Bruges. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park 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 Lake District National Park. In January, Lake District National Park is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 3°C (38°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during winter. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lake District National Park. In January, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Bruges. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Lake District National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

Lake District National Park is cooler than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Lake District National Park gets 78 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 Lake District National Park