Comparison · Bruges vs Brussels · Belgium
Bruges vs Brussels
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Bruges for Canals and Belfry; choose Brussels for Grand-Place and Manneken Pis. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 88 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 88 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Bruges
- April–June and September
- Best time for Brussels
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Bruges | Brussels | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Belgium | Belgium |
| Known for | Canals, Belfry and Medieval architecture | Grand-Place, Manneken Pis and Atomium |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 2 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 23°C (73°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 6°C (43°F) | January, 6°C (43°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BRU, CRL, OST | BRU, CRL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Bruges for…
Canals and Belfry. Bruges is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in northern Europe: a UNESCO-listed oval of canals, brick gables and cobbled squares that was a great trading port in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Markt and its Belfry, the Burg's Gothic City Hall, the…
Choose Brussels for…
Grand-Place and Manneken Pis. Belgium's capital pairs one of Europe's grandest squares, the Grand-Place, with the Art Nouveau townhouses of Victor Horta, the Magritte Museum and the Atomium. The compact Lower Town around the Grand-Place and Sainte-Catherine is walkable, while the Upper…
Top sights compared
| # | Bruges | Brussels |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Markt | Grand-Place |
| 2 | Belfry of Bruges | Manneken Pis |
| 3 | Burg and City Hall | Atomium |
| 4 | Basilica of the Holy Blood | Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium |
| 5 | Groeningemuseum | Magritte Museum |
Food compared
| Bruges | Brussels |
|---|---|
| Moules-frites | Moules-frites |
| Frites | Belgian frites |
| Flemish stew | Brussels and Liège waffles |
| Waterzooi | Flemish beef stew |
Which is cheaper?
Bruges and Brussels cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $170–$300 in Bruges and $170–$300 in Brussels (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Bruges on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Bruges and Brussels are about 88 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 2 days in Bruges and 3 in Brussels.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bruges or Brussels cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 in Bruges and $170–$300 in Brussels (estimates).
+Is Bruges or Brussels better for a first trip?
Pick Bruges for Canals and Belfry, or Brussels for Grand-Place and Manneken Pis.
+How far is Bruges from Brussels?
About 88 km in a straight line.