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

Should you visit Windsor or Bruges?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a cultural, beautiful, and historic 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.

Windsor and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Bruges?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bruges. Although Windsor and Bruges are both popular with visitors, Bruges has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bruges is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Windsor is known for its small town charm. Bruges is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also home to Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Windsor is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Windsor different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Windsor and Bruges.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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.

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

Bruges is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Bruges.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

If you're looking for night time activities Bruges has a few options to choose from. 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 Windsor or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Bruges is revered around the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Bruges?

Bruges is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bruges offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Bruges Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Bruges.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. 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 Windsor or Bruges Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Bruges make for a superb place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Bruges is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Is Windsor or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Bruges.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Windsor or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Bruges?

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

Families should spend more time in Bruges than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Bruges?

Windsor 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, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Windsor or Bruges?

Windsor 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.

In Bruges, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Bruges?

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

Bruges is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Bruges?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Bruges?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Windsor is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor 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. In the summer, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Bruges. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Bruges. The autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In October, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Bruges. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Bruges. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. 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 Windsor in the winter. Windsor is a little warmer than Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Windsor