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

Should you visit Turku or Bruges?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku 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.

Where Should I go: Turku or Bruges?

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

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 Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Turku?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €159, while the average daily cost in Bruges is €161. 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 Turku and Bruges in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku 76
    Bruges 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku 152
    Bruges 118
Compare Hotels in Turku and Bruges

Looking for a hotel in Turku 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 Turku


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: Turku Hotel Prices and Bruges Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Bruges 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

Also for Turku, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $95
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $95

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:


  • Five Day Bus Pass
    15
  • Bike Rental for Day
    8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges

Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to The Hague: $289
  • Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $259
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels: $242
  • Private Transfer from Ostend Bruges Airport OST to Zeebrugge Port: $236
  • Private transfer from Bruges to Brussels, 2h Stop in Ghent: $212
  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to Brussels: $152
  • Private transfer from Bruges to Lille, English-speaking driver: $147
  • Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotel - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $142
  • Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) to Bruges- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels: $74
  • Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $74
  • Bruges hotel to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Bruges?

Prices for flights to both Bruges and Turku 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
    Turku 56
    Bruges 89

Typical Food Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:


  • Cup of Tea
    2.00
  • Sandwich for Lunch
    3.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small‑Group Food Tour: Eight Signature Tastings of Bruges: $123
  • Bruges Food Tour : Beer, Chocolate, Waffles & Fries in German: $130
  • Bruges Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $152
  • The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour: $159
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $162
  • Private Bruges Food Tour: 8 Tastings of Local Delicacies: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Bruges 15

Tours and Activities in Turku

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Turku.

  • Experience Turku with a local guide: $282
  • Järvelä Sauna Experience in the Turku Archipelago: $19

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Groeninge Museum Entrance
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Bruges

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.

  • "Edges of Brugge" Photo Tour - 2hr open city tour & workshop: $94
  • "Essential Brugge" Photo Tour - 3hr private city tour & workshop: $295
  • "Hidden Brugge" Photo Tour - 2hr open city tour & workshop: $94
  • "Shades of Brugge" Photo Tour - 3hr private city tour & workshop: $295
  • 2-Hour Bruges Walking Tour with Chocolate Tasting: $3.53
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included: $3.54
  • 6 Hour Bruges Shore Excursion from Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $80
  • BRYGGJA ROMANTICA - 3 Hour Romantic Tour in Bruges: $53
  • Best Bruges Cruise-Friendly Tour including Canal Boat Ride: $65
  • Best Bruges Shore Excursion from Your Ship with Canal Cruise: $74
  • Best Bruges Shore Excursion including Deluxe Canal Cruise: $78
  • Best Cruise-Friendly Tour of Bruges including Leisure Time: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Bruges 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Bruges

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:

  • Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $19
  • Bruges Brewery & Distillery – Discover at Your Own Pace: $19
  • Bruges Brewery & Distillery - Discover & Taste on your own pace: $33
  • Bruges Brewery & Distillery - Discover the Spirits of Bruges: $46


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


Which is Bigger, Turku or Bruges?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Turku is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Turku in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Bruges averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Bruges. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Turku. Turku usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Turku usually receives more rain than Bruges. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Turku 16°C (61°F) 
    Bruges 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Turku or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Turku during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Turku is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 6°C (43°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Turku often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Turku 6°C (43°F) 
    Bruges 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Turku or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Bruges. Furthermore, 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. Turku can be very cold during winter. Turku is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Turku averages around -6°C (20°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Turku usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during winter. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Turku usually receives less rain than Bruges. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Turku -6°C (20°F) 
    Bruges 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Turku or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Turku as well as Bruges. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

The weather in Turku can be very cold. In the spring, Turku is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Turku in April average around 3°C (37°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Turku often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in April than Bruges. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Bruges 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Bruges and Turku

Turku Bruges
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 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 -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)