A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Bruges for Nightlife, Old Town, Food, and Families

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, charming, and historic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palma de Mallorca than Bruges. Palma de Mallorca is bigger than Bruges, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Bruges is more popular for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Palma de Mallorca is well known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Bruges is well known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

Bruges is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bruges can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Bruges offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bruges. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is great for its music scene. However, Bruges is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Palma de Mallorca draws a good crowd. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is great for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for the beach. However, Bruges is not a beach destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Bruges.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Bruges offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bruges makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Bruges are both great destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Bruges is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bruges Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Bruges.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

You'll find some public transit in Bruges, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bruges. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palma de Mallorca and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than in Bruges. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bruges than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bruges, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

Palma de Mallorca 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.

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Bruges, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bruges is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Bruges?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Bruges. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bruges. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Bruges. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bruges. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Palma de Mallorca during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bruges. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 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 Palma de Mallorca