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

Should you visit Brussels or Atlanta?

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 Brussels and Atlanta. 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Atlanta?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Atlanta. Brussels is bigger than Atlanta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its historical sights and big city activities, while Atlanta is more popular for its museums and nightlife. 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). Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta 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 Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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 Brussels or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Brussels and Atlanta.

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).

Atlanta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Brussels or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

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

Atlanta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

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 Brussels or Atlanta Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Atlanta?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Atlanta and Brussels.

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.

Known for shopping, Atlanta draws large crowds to its stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Is Brussels or Atlanta Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Atlanta are great family-friendly destinations.

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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Atlanta is very family-friendly. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Brussels or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Brussels is a great city for couples. Also, Atlanta 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Brussels or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Brussels or Atlanta Better for Students?

Brussels and Atlanta are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit 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.

Atlanta is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

Brussels is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Brussels can take you anywhere. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Brussels or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Brussels is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Brussels due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Atlanta. 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 Atlanta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Brussels that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Atlanta 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 Brussels or Atlanta?

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.

The city of Atlanta offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Brussels or Atlanta?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Atlanta?

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.

Atlanta 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.

A week in Brussels or Atlanta?

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.

Atlanta 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Atlanta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Atlanta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Atlanta?

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

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 Brussels or Atlanta in the Summer?

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

In July, Brussels is generally much colder than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Atlanta. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Atlanta in the Autumn?

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

Brussels is much colder than Atlanta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Atlanta in the Winter?

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

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Atlanta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Atlanta averages at about 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Atlanta in the Spring?

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

In April, Brussels is generally much colder than Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Brussels