A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Brussels for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Belfast or Brussels?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic 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.

Belfast and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Belfast, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". 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 Belfast different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Brussels is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Brussels?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast 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 Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Brussels Better for Students?

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Brussels?

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

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

The city of Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Brussels?

Belfast 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Brussels?

Belfast 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Brussels?

Belfast is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Brussels in the Summer?

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

Belfast is cooler than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Brussels. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Belfast is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Brussels. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Belfast for 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. Belfast can be very cold during winter. In January, Belfast is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Brussels. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Brussels in the Spring?

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

Belfast is cooler than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

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

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Belfast