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

Should you visit Vienna or Bruges?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. 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 historic, charming, and historic 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.

Vienna and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its music and shopping, while Bruges is known for its quaint atmosphere. Vienna is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Bruges is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Vienna and Bruges.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Vienna or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Bruges can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Dining out in Bruges is an experience not to be missed. 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 Vienna or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Bruges.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Bruges has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Bruges Better for Music?

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

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Vienna and Bruges both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Bruges?

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

Many people travel to Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Bruges Better for Families?

Vienna and Bruges are both good destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Bruges Better for Students?

Vienna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Bruges a more walkable city?

Vienna and Bruges are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Getting around Bruges on foot is easy. 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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Bruges. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

One day in Vienna or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Bruges. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Bruges?

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bruges is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Vienna or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the ritzy destination of Vienna. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Bruges?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Bruges. Many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vienna is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°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 Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Bruges. Many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Bruges. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vienna for the museums, 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. Vienna can be very cold during winter. Vienna is much colder than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Vienna or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Vienna during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Vienna because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the spring, Vienna is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Vienna