A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zermatt vs. Bruges for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Zermatt 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 Zermatt and Bruges can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming 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.

Zermatt and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Bruges?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Bruges, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Bruges is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Zermatt is well known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Bruges is well known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Bruges Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is very popular for skiing. However, Bruges is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Bruges is not a skiing destination.

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

Bruges is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

Both Zermatt and Bruges offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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.

Is Zermatt or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt for the nightlife scene. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt or Bruges Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is great for its luxury resorts. However, Bruges is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Bruges is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is very popular for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Bruges has a world-famous historical area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Bruges Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is very popular for hiking. However, Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Bruges is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Bruges?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt or Bruges Better for Families?

Zermatt is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zermatt. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt or Bruges Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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 Zermatt or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zermatt and Bruges are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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

Both Zermatt and Bruges offer notable public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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 Zermatt or Bruges a more walkable city?

Zermatt and Bruges both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Bruges?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt 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 Zermatt.

One day in Zermatt or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Zermatt or Bruges?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Zermatt or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Zermatt. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Bruges?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Bruges. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zermatt this time of the year. In the summer, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Bruges. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Zermatt is a little warmer than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Bruges. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Zermatt during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Zermatt can be very cold. In the winter, Zermatt is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Bruges. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Bruges. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bruges for the natural beauty.

In April, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Bruges. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Zermatt