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

Should you visit Lisbon or Bruges?

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

Should I visit Lisbon 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Bruges

Bruges is a cultural, beautiful, and historic 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.

Lisbon and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lisbon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Bruges attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Lisbon and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge.

How is Lisbon different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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.

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

Lisbon is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Lisbon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

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

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon or Bruges Better for Music?

Lisbon is very popular for its music scene. However, Bruges is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Bruges Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a good destination for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Lisbon and Bruges.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

The rich history of Bruges can be explored in its historical center. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Bruges?

Lisbon is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Lisbon or Bruges Better for Families?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Bruges Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is very popular 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.

Lisbon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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 Lisbon or Bruges a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Bruges are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Getting around Bruges on foot is easy. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Bruges?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Bruges?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Bruges?

Lisbon 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Lisbon or Bruges?

Lisbon is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Bruges?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Bruges. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°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. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Bruges. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Bruges. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the autumn, Lisbon is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bruges. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Bruges. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.

Lisbon is much warmer than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Lisbon