A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Odense vs. Bruges for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Odense 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 Odense 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.

Odense

It's also popular because of the food.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Odense and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Odense or Bruges?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bruges than Odense. While Odense is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is more touristy than Odense and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also well known for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Odense is famous for

How is Odense different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bruges is notable for its sights and museums. However, Odense 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.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bruges is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Bruges is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Odense or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Odense or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

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

Odense does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Bruges?

Bruges is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Bruges to go 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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or Bruges Better for Families?

Odense 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 Odense. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

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 Odense or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges is notable for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Odense or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is notable for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bruges is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Odense or Bruges Better for Students?

Odense is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Bruges is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

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.

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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.

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Odense?

How long in Odense or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Odense and Bruges. In our opinion, Bruges has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bruges than Odense. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Odense, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

Couples should spend more time in Bruges than Odense. 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 Odense 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 Odense or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Odense. 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 Odense or Bruges?

Odense 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.

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 Odense or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Odense. 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.

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 Odense or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Odense. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Odense and Bruges, we can see that Odense 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 Odense would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Odense 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 Odense Expensive? and Is Bruges Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Odense or Bruges?

Odense has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.