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

Should you visit Basel or Brussels?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Brussels, 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.

Basel

Basel is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Basel attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Basel different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Basel and Brussels.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Brussels. 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 Basel or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Brussels. 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).

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Basel and Brussels.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

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 Basel or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Brussels both have great historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Brussels is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Basel or Brussels?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Basel or Brussels Better for Families?

Basel and Brussels are both great destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brussels. 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 Basel or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Brussels Better for Students?

Basel and Brussels are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Students come from all over to stay in Brussels. 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 Basel or Brussels Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Basel or Brussels a more walkable city?

Basel is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Basel?

How long in Basel or Brussels?

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

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Basel. 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 Basel 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 Basel or Brussels?

The beautiful city of Basel 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.

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Brussels?

Basel 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 Basel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Basel or Brussels?

Basel 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Brussels?

Basel 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic big city of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Brussels, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Brussels?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Brussels. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Brussels. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Brussels. Many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Basel is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Brussels. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. Basel can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Basel is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Brussels. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In April, Basel is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Brussels. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Basel