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

Should you visit Minsk or Bruges?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Bruges, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Minsk or Bruges?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Minsk?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Bruges is $132. 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 Minsk and Bruges in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Bruges $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Bruges $126
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Bruges

Looking for a hotel in Minsk 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 Minsk


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: Bruges Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minsk $12
    Bruges $18

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges

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


  • Five Day Bus Pass
    $16
  • Bike Rental for Day
    $8.57

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: $32
  • Bruges to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels : $33
  • Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $33
  • PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $86
  • Brugge Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Brugge: $111
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels : $143
  • Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $152
  • Private Transfer from ZeeBrugge or Bruges to Antwerp By Luxury car: $163
  • Transfer Ghent <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
  • Transfer Bruges <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 - 8 Places): $229
  • Brussels airport transfer (BRU) <-> from or to Bruges (3 pax sedan): $261

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Bruges?

Prices for flights to both Bruges and Minsk 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
    Minsk $21
    Bruges $55

Typical Food Prices in Bruges

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


  • Cup of Tea
    $2.14
  • Sandwich for Lunch
    $3.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges

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

  • The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $133
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $142

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minsk $20
    Bruges $16

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges

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


  • Groeninge Museum Entrance
    $8.57

Tours and Activities in Bruges

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

  • Self-Guided City Game and Audio Tour App: $2.67
  • Unforgettable Sightseeings, History and Tasting.: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Stories, Mysteries and People: $3.21
  • Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips: $3.27
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges: $3.27
  • Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges: $3.27
  • Walking Tour Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People: $3.28
  • Bruges city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Bruges: $5.46
  • Medieval A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    Bruges $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Bruges

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

  • Bruges Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $17
  • Private: Discover Bruges beers & brewery with chocolate pairing by a young local: $191
  • Beer walking tour with visit Brewery Bourgogne de Flandres: $642


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minsk and Bruges, we can see that Bruges is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Minsk.

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


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Bruges?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minsk or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Bruges. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Minsk is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minsk in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minsk this time of the year. In the summer, Minsk often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets more rain in July than Bruges. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Bruges 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Minsk is generally cooler than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (47°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Minsk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during autumn. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minsk usually receives less rain than Bruges. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Bruges 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Minsk during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bruges can be very cold. Minsk can be very cold during winter. Minsk is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Minsk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Bruges 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Bruges. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the spring, Minsk is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minsk in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Minsk usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during spring. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minsk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Bruges 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Bruges and Minsk

Minsk Bruges
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)