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

Should you visit York or Bruges?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a cultural, beautiful, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Bruges?

You'll generally find more things to do in York than Bruges. York is bigger than Bruges, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. York is better known for its food and nightlife, while Bruges is more popular for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than York and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles.

How is York different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Bruges have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. 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 York or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

York 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 York for the nightlife scene. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both York and Bruges.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Bruges?

Both York and Bruges are notable shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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.

Is York or Bruges Better for Families?

York 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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.

Is York or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Bruges are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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.

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

Both York and Bruges offer notable public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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.

Is York or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or York?

How long in York or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Bruges. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Bruges. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Bruges 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 York.

One day in York or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bruges. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Bruges?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Bruges is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Bruges. This city offers something for everyone. 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 York or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fanciful destination of York. 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.

The historic city of Bruges offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Bruges?

York has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Bruges. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. In the summer, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Bruges. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

York is cooler than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Bruges. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and York during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, 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 York in the winter. In the winter, York is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Bruges. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Bruges. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, York is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and York