A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Bruges for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

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

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in London than Bruges. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. London is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Bruges attracts visitors for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. London is famous for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Bruges is famous for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market.

Big Ben

How is London different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Bruges Better for Theater?

London is very popular for its shows and theatre. However, Bruges is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Bruges is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Bruges.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

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

London is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Bruges Better for Music?

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

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is London or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, London 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Bruges?

London 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 London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Bruges Better for Christmas?

London is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Bruges does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, London is a top place to visit during Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Bruges does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Bruges Better for Christmas Markets?

London is very popular for visiting Christmas markets. However, Bruges does not offer Christmas markets.

London has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Bruges does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Bruges Better for Families?

London 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, London is very family-friendly. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London 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 London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Bruges Better for Students?

London is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

London is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

London 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.

London has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London or Bruges a more walkable city?

London and Bruges are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or London?

How long in London or Bruges?

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

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

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

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

One day in London or Bruges?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 London or Bruges?

London 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 London or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 London or Bruges?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 beautiful 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours 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 London and Bruges, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Bruges Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Bruges?

London has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

London is around the same temperature as Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Bruges. London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Bruges. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, London is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Bruges. The winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 London can be very cold. In January, London is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives less rain than Bruges. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Bruges. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty.

London is around the same temperature as Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bruges. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and London