A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Bruges for Old Town, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stockholm or Bruges?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Bruges can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Bruges

Bruges is a charming, historic, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Stockholm is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bruges is known for its food and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Stockholm and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Stockholm is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also home to Gamla Stan (the old town).

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Stockholm and Bruges.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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.

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

Bruges is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Stockholm or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Stockholm for the nightlife scene. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

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 Stockholm or Bruges Better for Music?

Stockholm is very popular for its music scene. However, Bruges is not a live music destination.

Stockholm has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Both Stockholm and Bruges have fantastic historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Stockholm can be explored in its historical center. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Bruges?

Stockholm is great for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Bruges is a great destination for 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.

Is Stockholm or Bruges Better for Families?

Stockholm is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Stockholm is very family-friendly. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

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 Stockholm or Bruges Better for Couples?

Stockholm is very popular for couples. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

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.

Is Stockholm or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bruges is a great city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Is Stockholm or Bruges Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Stockholm is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Stockholm has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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.

Is Stockholm or Bruges a more walkable city?

Stockholm and Bruges both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

Getting around Stockholm on foot is easy. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stockholm and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Bruges. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

Couples should spend more time in Stockholm than Bruges. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stockholm that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Stockholm or Bruges?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quaint city of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Bruges?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 historic city of Bruges. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stockholm or Bruges?

Stockholm is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Bruges is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Bruges?

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

Both Bruges and Stockholm during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Bruges, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Stockholm. In the summer, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bruges. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Bruges. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stockholm is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 8°C (46°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

In October, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Bruges. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stockholm or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Bruges. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bruges can be very cold during winter. Stockholm can get quite cold in the winter. Stockholm is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Stockholm is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stockholm in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Bruges. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Stockholm