A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bristol vs. Delft for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Bristol or Delft?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Delft can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a historic, diverse, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bristol travel costs.

Delft

Delft is a quaint, charming, and historic town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Delft travel costs.

Bristol and Delft: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Delft?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Delft. Bristol is bigger than Delft, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Delft is more popular for its historical sights. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour. Delft is well known for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Bristol different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bristol or Delft?

Bristol is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

Is the Food Better in Bristol or Delft? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Delft can be an enjoyable experience.

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Delft offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Bristol or Delft Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Bristol has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Bristol or Delft Better for its Old Town?

Delft is great for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Delft is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Delft?

Bristol is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Bristol or Delft Better for Families?

Both Bristol and Delft are notable to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Delft is a family-friendly place to visit. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Bristol or Delft Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Delft are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Delft is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Bristol or Delft Better for Students?

Delft is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Delft. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Is Bristol or Delft Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Delft is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Delft can get you to most places easily. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Delft a more walkable city?

Delft is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Delft is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

For even more information, also check out Is Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Delft Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Delft or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Delft?

Bristol and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bristol than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bristol, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Delft than Bristol 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 Delft.

One day in Bristol or Delft?

In Bristol, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Delft, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bristol or Delft?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Delft. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Five days in Bristol or Delft?

Bristol is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bristol. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Delft 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 Bristol or Delft?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Bristol. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delft. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Delft. 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 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Delft?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Bristol and Delft, 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 Bristol or Delft?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bristol or Delft in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Delft. The summer months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Delft this time of year.

In the summer, Bristol is around the same temperature as Delft. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Delft averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Delft. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Delft receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bristol or Delft in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Delft. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Delft for the shopping scene.

In October, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Delft. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Delft fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in October than Delft. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Delft receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Delft in the Winter?

Both Delft and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Delft in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Delft can get quite cold in the winter. Bristol is much warmer than Delft in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Delft fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives more rain than Delft. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Delft receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bristol or Delft in the Spring?

Both Delft and Bristol during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bristol in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bristol is a little warmer than Delft. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Delft averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Delft. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Delft receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Delft and Bristol