A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Bruges for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Bruges can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a park-filled, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and theater.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bruges. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Bruges are both popular with visitors, Bruges has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bruges is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Bruges is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also home to Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

Bruges is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bruges specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very popular for its shows and theatre. However, Bruges is not a theatre destination.

Stratford-upon-Avon is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Bruges is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bruges is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bruges has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Bruges is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Bruges offers plenty to see. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

Bruges is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bruges. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bruges. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bruges. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bruges is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Bruges has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bruges than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bruges, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the theater, 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.

Many people visit Bruges for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bruges, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. 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.

The beautiful destination of Bruges offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Bruges. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°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. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Bruges. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Bruges. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bruges in the winter. The weather in Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold. Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Bruges. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bruges. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 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 Stratford-upon-Avon