A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Bruges for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Bruges?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Bruges, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Akureyri or Bruges?

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

Bruges

Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Bruges is $189. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Akureyri and Bruges in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $103
    Bruges $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $206
    Bruges $138
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Bruges

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Bruges? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Akureyri


Hotels in Bruges


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Bruges Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Bruges $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:


  • Five Day Bus Pass
    $18
  • Bike Rental for Day
    $9.39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges

Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bruges hotel to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Bruges to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
  • Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotel - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $144
  • Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Ostend Bruges Airport (OST) to Bruges - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Ostend Bruges Airport OST to Zeebrugge Port: $240
  • Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels: $75
  • Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $239
  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to Amsterdam: $262
  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to Brussels: $154
  • Private direct transfer from Bruges to The Hague: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Bruges?

Prices for flights to both Bruges and Akureyri change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Akureyri $71
    Bruges $105

Typical Food Prices in Bruges

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:


  • Cup of Tea
    $2.35
  • Sandwich for Lunch
    $3.81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $161
  • Bruges Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $165
  • Bruges Food Tour: 8 Tastings of Local Delicacies: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Bruges $18

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Akureyri Cruise Port: Mývatn Lakes, Waterfalls & Nature Trip: $282
  • Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $167
  • Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $229
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $329
  • Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $247
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $143
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $135
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
  • E-Bike Tour with Forest Lagoon Entry: $217

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges

For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Groeninge Museum Entrance
    $9.39

Tours and Activities in Bruges

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.

  • THE Storytelling Tour of Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips: $3.56
  • Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges: $3.56
  • Walking Tour Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People: $3.57
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges: $3.58
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Bruges with Praline Included: $3.59
  • Bruges Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.13
  • Bruges Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.32
  • Salvador Dalí Exhibition in Bruges Admission Ticket: $12
  • Historium Virtual Reality Ticket: $12
  • Unknown A Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Heart of the Medieval Metropole: $12
  • Frietmuseum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Bruges’ Legends and Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Bruges $13


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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Bruges?

Bruges has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri 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 Akureyri 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 Akureyri or Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Bruges, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Bruges. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Bruges 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Bruges. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Bruges. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Bruges 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Bruges. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bruges can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Bruges. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bruges. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Bruges 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Bruges during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Bruges. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Bruges 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Bruges and Akureyri

Akureyri Bruges
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)