A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Brussels for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Aberdeen or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Brussels? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a architectural, authentic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Aberdeen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Aberdeen different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Brussels?

Both Aberdeen and Brussels have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Both Aberdeen and Brussels are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Brussels. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Aberdeen or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Aberdeen and Brussels.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Brussels?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Brussels Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Brussels.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Brussels is very family-friendly. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Is Aberdeen or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a well-known place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Brussels Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Brussels a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Brussels both are superb when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Brussels is a very walkable city. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Brussels?

In either Aberdeen or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Aberdeen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Aberdeen 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 Brussels.

One day in Aberdeen or Brussels?

The city of Aberdeen offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Brussels?

Aberdeen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aberdeen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Brussels?

Aberdeen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Brussels?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Brussels, 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 Aberdeen or Brussels?

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 Aberdeen or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Brussels. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Aberdeen is cooler than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Brussels. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Brussels. The autumn months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In the autumn, Aberdeen is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in October than Brussels. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. It's quite cold in Aberdeen in the winter. In January, Aberdeen is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Brussels. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Aberdeen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.

Aberdeen is cooler than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Brussels. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Aberdeen