Planning a trip to Belgium and wondering if Bruges is expensive to visit? The short answer is: it depends.
For instance, if you compare Bruges to major cities like Paris or London, you’ll likely find it more affordable. However, when compared to Brussels or other Belgian cities, Bruges can sometimes seem a bit pricier, though this isn’t always the case.
The overall cost of your visit will depend on several factors, such as the time of year, your choice of accommodation, dining preferences, and the activities you plan to enjoy.
In this article, I’ll break down the typical expenses you can expect in Bruges and offer tips so you can explore this charming medieval city affordably.
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Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in this article are estimates based on recent data and may vary depending on the season, economic changes, or personal choices. Always check current rates before planning your trip.
Table of Contents
Bruges vs. Brussels – Which is More Expensive?
Brussels is bigger than Bruges and offers a wider range of choices for visitors. In Bruges, most attractions are concentrated in the city center, where prices for food, drinks, and accommodations tend to be higher due to heavy tourist traffic.
On the other hand, Brussels has diverse neighborhoods beyond the city center, making it easier to find more affordable restaurants, shops, and activities.
Because Bruges is small and easy to explore on foot, most tourists visit for just a day or two, often combining it with a trip to Ghent.
Overall, while both cities can be expensive in their tourist areas, the price difference between Brussels and Bruges is not very large, though Brussels generally offers more budget-friendly options thanks to its size and variety.
Comparing Bruges to Ghent
Bruges and Ghent are both in the Flanders region, and both have medieval buildings, canals, and chocolate shops. Bruges is usually a bit more expensive, mostly because it’s so popular with tourists all year round.
In Ghent, you’ll often find more budget-friendly hotels and restaurants. This makes it a better choice if you’re watching your spending. Because of the high number of students in Ghent, there are more casual bars and eateries with fair prices. Bruges, with its iconic center and tourist crowds, has higher prices at many cafes and souvenir shops.
Is Bruges Cheaper Than London or Paris?
London and Paris are much bigger cities and are regularly ranked among Europe’s most expensive destinations. Accommodation, public transport, and eating out will cost more in these cities than in Bruges.
In London, everything from hotels to simple meals will cost more. Paris, too, is super pricey for hotels and restaurants, especially near the main sights. Bruges is cheaper, and it’s easier to find bedrooms and meals in the mid-range.
If you’re on a budget, Bruges is less expensive than London or Paris, but it’s not the cheapest city in Belgium. However, if you want to save money, it’s better to book in off off-season and look for deals outside the main squares.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay in Bruges?
The cost of a place to stay in Bruges can vary a lot depending on what you pick. For instance, budget hotels and hostels start at about €60-€80 per night for a basic double room. If you’re alone, a hostel bed may cost about €30-€40 per night.
Mid-range hotels are popular in Bruges. Prices for a standard room are usually around €120-€150 per night. More comfortable B&Bs can cost about the same, especially close to the city center.
Airbnb is another option, with small apartments starting from €90 per night but usually higher if you want more space or a central location.
Luxury hotels and boutique stays can go over €250 a night, especially in the city center. You can get better deals if you book early, but expect to pay a bit more during weekends or holidays.
Food &Drinks Prices in Bruges
Food in Bruges can be affordable or expensive, depending on where you eat. A simple breakfast in a café is about €6-€12. For lunch, you can get sandwiches or Flemish specialties from €10-€20 at local bistros.
Food
Dinner at a mid-range restaurant is usually €25-€40 per person, including a drink. Fancier places or tasting menus can go above €60 per person and even more.
Street food is quite cheap, frites (fries) or waffles for €4-€6.
If you’re staying in an Airbnb, buying groceries for self-catering is much cheaper. Expect to spend around €25-€35 per day for basic meals from supermarkets.
Chocolate
Bruges is famous for its Belgian chocolate, and you’ll spot chocolate shops on nearly every street. High-quality chocolates cost between €5 and €10 for a small box, and specialty pralines can cost a little more.
Chocolate lovers may want to visit the Choco-Story museum. Entry costs about €12 per adult and includes samples. If you join a chocolate-making workshop, expect to pay closer to €30 per person.
Belgian Beer and Breweries
Belgian beer is a highlight in Bruges. Many bars serve dozens of unique brews, some only found in Belgium. You’ll pay about €4–€7 for a draft at a cafe or beer bar.
Touring a local brewery, like the historic De Halve Maan brewery, is a popular activity. The guided tours cost about €15, and usually include a tasting. Some breweries also have small museums about the history of brewing in Bruges and Belgium.
Enjoying a flight of different beers or visiting more famous bars, such as “The Beer Wall,” can add up. If you want more variety, specialized beer shops sell bottles for €2–€5 each to take home as souvenirs.
Bruges Sights & Attractions Cost
There are many cheap activities to do in Bruges, and some spots are even free, such as the main squares and canals. Tickets to popular museums, like the Groeningemuseum or the Belfry, usually cost between €10 and €15 per adult.
Some churches and attractions ask for a small fee, usually €3-€7. Guided walking tours are popular and can cost around €15-€25 per person, sometimes including a local snack or drink.
A boat trip on Bruges’ canals is a must. These guided tours start from several spots, including Dijver, and usually last about 30 minutes. You’ll cruise past medieval houses, under stone bridges, and get great views of the Belfry Tower.
Prices for canal tours are usually about €12-€15 for adults. There’s no need to book far ahead except during busy weekends. The tours run often, and you can often just walk up and buy a ticket.
Transportion Prices Bruges
The city center of Bruges is small enough to walk most places without the need to use any public transport, unless you’re staying farther out. A single bus ticket for public transport is about €2.50, or you can get a day pass for about €6.
Taxis are pricey, starting around 2.50 € per km, which can quickly become costly if you’re staying outside of the city center. Renting a bike is the cheapest and fun way to get around the city; prices start at about €13 per day for a simple bicycle and €30 for an E-bike.
If you arrive by train, a standard second-class ticket from Brussels costs about €15-€17 each way. First-class seats are about 50% more expensive, but for a short trip, you won’t need them unless you use only first-class. However, to get the best prices, book your tickets in advance.
If you are driving from Brussels, it’s best to park outside the city center, as parking in Bruges is more expensive and crowded.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations in Bruges
Prices in Bruges, like many other countries in the world, can change a lot depending on when you travel. Hotel rates, food, and attractions cost more during busy times or around big events.
High vs. Low Season – Best Time to Visit?
Bruges gets a lot busier in the spring and summer, especially from April to September. During these months, you’ll see hotel prices and tours costs up to twice as much. Demand goes up, so even budget places can raise their rates.
If you visit in the low season, from November to March (excluding holidays), costs will usually drop. You’ll have shorter lines and fewer crowds at main sights like the Belfry or the Markt. Some restaurants often lower prices, too, or offer specials for locals.
When the weather is bad, places are less crowded, but it’s easier to find deals. This means you get more of the local culture at a lower price, and it’s easier to book last minute. Just remember, some attractions might have shorter opening hours.
Events and Festivals Impacting Costs
Special events can also drive up prices in Bruges. Festivals like the Gentse Feesten in nearby Ghent can spill over, bringing more tourists to the region. When Bruges hosts its own local festivals, hotels may charge higher rates.
Big weekends, such as Christmas markets, Easter, and public holidays, lead to limited availability and higher expenses. Restaurants and cafes fill up fast, so reservations are smart. Prices for activities like canal tours often increase, too.
You’ll find that sometimes, street food and pop-up stalls offer deals during festivals. However, many people want to travel during these times, so expect most costs to go up. So if you want to save money during event weeks, plan and book early.
Final Words!
In summary, while Bruges can be a bit pricier than some other Belgian cities, the difference in cost isn’t dramatic. If you’re looking to save money, consider exploring areas outside the busy city center and seeking out hidden gems off the beaten path. With a little planning, you can enjoy the charm and beauty of Bruges without breaking the bank!
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