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

Should you visit Zurich or Bruges?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Bruges. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Bruges?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Bruges, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping, while Bruges is known for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Zurich and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster.

How is Zurich different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Zurich and Bruges.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Bruges offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Zurich or Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Bruges offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Zurich or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Zurich 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 Zurich for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Bruges Better for Music?

Zurich is great for its music scene. However, Bruges is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Zurich draws a good crowd. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Bruges is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Zurich and Bruges.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Bruges has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Bruges?

Zurich 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 Zurich specifically to go shopping. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Bruges Better for Families?

Zurich 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 Zurich. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Bruges Better for Couples?

Zurich and Bruges both excellent destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Bruges Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Zurich is great 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Bruges?

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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 Zurich or Bruges?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 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 Zurich or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Zurich or Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. 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 beautiful 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 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 Zurich and Bruges, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Bruges Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Bruges?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Bruges. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bruges averages at about 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 Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Bruges. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Bruges. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. Zurich is around the same temperature as Bruges in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Bruges. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Bruges. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Zurich is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bruges averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Bruges. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Zurich