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

Should you visit Auckland or Brussels?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Brussels can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a thrill-seeking, cosmopolitan , and adventurous city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Auckland travel costs.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Brussels travel costs.

Auckland and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Brussels?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Auckland than Brussels. While Brussels is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Brussels attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Auckland is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Auckland different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Brussels.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Auckland or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Auckland and Brussels offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Dining out in Brussels is an experience not to be missed. 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 Auckland or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Auckland is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

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 Auckland or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Auckland is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

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.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Brussels Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Auckland offers some nice hiking trails. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Brussels?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Brussels draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Auckland or Brussels Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Brussels.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Brussels is known to be 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 Auckland or Brussels Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Brussels are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Auckland or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland and Brussels are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Auckland or Brussels Better for Students?

Both Auckland and Brussels are high quality destinations for students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Auckland or Brussels Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Auckland or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Brussels?

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

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Auckland. 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 Auckland. 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 Auckland 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 Auckland or Brussels?

Auckland is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The city of Brussels offers food and shopping. 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 Auckland or Brussels?

Auckland 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auckland, 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 Auckland or Brussels?

Auckland 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 Auckland or Brussels?

Auckland is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Auckland 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. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Brussels is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Brussels?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Brussels has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Auckland during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Auckland is generally around the same temperature as Brusselsin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Auckland. In the summer, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Brusselsin July. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets less rain in January than Brusselsin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Brussels. Most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Auckland is a little warmer than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Auckland usually receives more rain than Brusselsin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auckland or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Brussels. The winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F)in January.

In the winter, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Brusselsin January. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland usually gets more rain in July than Brusselsin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city.

In October, Auckland is generally much warmer than Brusselsin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Auckland usually receives more rain than Brusselsin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Auckland