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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Bruges?

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

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bruges? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Bruges?

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.

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 Saint Petersburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, 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 Saint Petersburg and Bruges in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Petersburg $36
    Bruges $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Petersburg $72
    Bruges $126
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Bruges

Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg


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.
    Saint Petersburg $7.29
    Bruges $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:


  • Metro Passes
    $1.34

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:

  • Transfer Shuttle Bruges <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $291
  • Transfer Ghent <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
  • Transfer Bruges <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 - 8 Places): $229
  • Shuttle Transfer Bruges <-> Paris (1 to 8 PLACES): $291
  • PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $86
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels : $143
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels : $33
  • Private Transfer from ZeeBrugge or Bruges to Antwerp By Luxury car: $163
  • Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $152
  • Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $33
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bruges to Amsterdam: $274
  • Brussels airport transfer (BRU) <-> from or to Bruges (3 pax sedan): $261

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Bruges?

Prices for flights to both Bruges and Saint Petersburg 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
    Saint Petersburg $18
    Bruges $55
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg

For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.61

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.
    Saint Petersburg $18
    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.

  • "Essential Brugge" Photo Tour (3hr private city tour & workshop): $273
  • "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour (2hr open city tour & workshop): $76
  • "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour (3hr private city tour & workshop): $273
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Bruges: $229
  • BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $55
  • Beery Bruges Tasting Tour: $58
  • Bike Your Way Through Bruges A Fun & Active Sightseeing Adventure: $44
  • Breathtaking Bruges - Private Walking Tour: $152
  • Bruges : Highlights & Hidden gems Walking Tour: $80
  • Bruges Beer Tour with chocolate pairing by a young local: $60
  • Bruges Beer and Chocolate Walking Tour: $95
  • Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Stories, Mysteries and People: $3.21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Petersburg $9.68
    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 Saint Petersburg and Bruges, we can see that Bruges is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Bruges?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Bruges. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Petersburg is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Petersburg in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bruges this time of the year. In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Bruges. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Petersburg 18°C (64°F) 
    Bruges 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Bruges. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In October, Saint Petersburg is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 6°C (42°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Petersburg 6°C (42°F) 
    Bruges 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. It's quite cold in Saint Petersburg in the winter. Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around -8°C (18°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Bruges. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Petersburg -8°C (18°F) 
    Bruges 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Saint Petersburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Petersburg. In the spring, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Petersburg in April average around 4°C (40°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Bruges. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Petersburg 4°C (40°F) 
    Bruges 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Bruges and Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg Bruges
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -8°C (18°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar -2°C (28°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 4°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 6°C (42°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -5°C (24°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)