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

Should you visit Bristol or Brussels?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Brussels can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a diverse, cultural, and friendly 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 multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan 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.

Bristol and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Brussels?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Bristol. Brussels is bigger than Bristol, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Bristol is more popular for its nightlife. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Bristol different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Brussels and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Bristol or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Brussels has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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).

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Bristol is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is great for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Brussels?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Bristol 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.

Bristol is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Is Bristol or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is great for couples. Also, Bristol 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Is Bristol 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, Bristol 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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Brussels a more walkable city?

Bristol and Brussels are very good when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Brussels?

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

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

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

Bristol 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 Bristol, 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 Bristol or Brussels?

Bristol 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 Bristol or Brussels?

Bristol 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bristol and Brussels, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels than you might in Bristol.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Brussels?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Brussels. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bristol is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives more rain than Brussels. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Bristol during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bristol in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Bristol is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Brussels. Most visitors come to Bristol for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bristol is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Brussels. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Bristol