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

Should you visit Athens or Brussels?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Brussels. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Brussels?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Athens than Brussels. While Brussels is larger than Athens, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Brussels is more popular for its shopping and big city activities. Athens is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Athens or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).

Is Athens or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. 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 Athens or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 Athens or Brussels?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Brussels specifically to go shopping. 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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Brussels Better for Families?

Both Athens and Brussels are excellent family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Athens or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Many backpackers 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.

Is Athens or Brussels Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Brussels are excellent places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Athens or Brussels a more walkable city?

Athens and Brussels are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Brussels is very walkable. 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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Athens?

How long in Athens or Brussels?

In either Athens or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than Brussels because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Athens. 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 Athens than Brussels 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Brussels?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Brussels?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Brussels?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Brussels?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Brussels. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Brussels?

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 Athens or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Brussels. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Brussels. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Brussels. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Brussels. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Athens