A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manila vs. Bruges for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Bruges?

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

Bruges

Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $99, while the average daily cost in Bruges is $187. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Manila and Bruges in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $51
    Bruges $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $102
    Bruges $138
Compare Hotels in Manila and Bruges

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Bruges? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Manila


Hotels in Bruges


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $13
    Bruges $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
  • Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $150
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Paranaque Private Transfer: $120
  • Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
  • Half Day Intramuros and Distillery Experience with Transfer: $75
  • METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $51
  • Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:


  • Five Day Bus Pass
    $17
  • Bike Rental for Day
    $9.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges

Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bruges hotel to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $70
  • Bruges to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels: $73
  • Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $73
  • Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotel - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $139
  • Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) to Bruges- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Private transfer from Bruges to Lille, English-speaking driver: $145
  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to Brussels: $149
  • Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $161
  • Private direct transfer from Cruise Port Zeebrugge to Brussels: $185
  • Private transfer from Bruges to Brussels, 2h Stop in Ghent: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Bruges?

Prices for flights to both Bruges and Manila change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manila $29
    Bruges $103

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
  • Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
  • A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
  • Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212

Typical Food Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:


  • Cup of Tea
    $2.32
  • Sandwich for Lunch
    $3.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small‑Group Food Tour: Eight Signature Tastings of Bruges: $121
  • Bruges Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour: $156
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $18
    Bruges $18

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $258
  • A Full Day Tour Adventure From Manila’s History to Volcano Views: $180
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Tour 2in1: $125
  • Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $80
  • BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $357
  • BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,130
  • Banaue-Hapao Rice Terraces (Car Rental W/ Manila Tourist Driver): $300
  • Cavite Leisure And Farm Tour: $170
  • Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $71
  • Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $85
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Groeninge Museum Entrance
    $9.28

Tours and Activities in Bruges

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.

  • THE Storytelling Tour of Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips: $3.46
  • 2-Hour Bruges Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting: $3.46
  • Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges: $3.46
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges: $3.46
  • Medieval Tour in Bruges with Chocolate Tasting: $3.48
  • Secrets of Walking Tour With a Chocolate and Waffle Bite: $3.48
  • Secrets and Stories of Bruges Self Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Bruges Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Bruges Exploration Private Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.26
  • Ticket Stadhuis (City Hall): $9.31
  • Museum of the Church of Our Lady Entry Ticket: $9.31
  • Ticket Volkskundemuseum (Folk Museum): $9.31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.29
    Bruges $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Bruges

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:

  • Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $19
  • Bruges Brewery & Distillery - Discover & Taste on your own pace: $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Bruges, we can see that Bruges is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Bruges is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Manila.

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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Bruges?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Bruges?

Bruges has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Manila or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Bruges. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Manila is much warmer than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Bruges. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Bruges 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Manila or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Manila is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Bruges. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Bruges 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Manila or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Manila during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. 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. In January, Manila is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Bruges 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Manila or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Bruges. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty.

Manila is much warmer than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Bruges. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Bruges 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Bruges and Manila

Manila Bruges
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)