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

Should you visit Brussels or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. 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 authentic, colorful, and multicultural 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.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Brussels and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Auxerre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brussels than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brussels is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Auxerre is more popular for its small town charm. Brussels is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

Brussels is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Brussels is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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).

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Brussels or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Brussels or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Auxerre?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Brussels or Auxerre Better for Families?

Brussels is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Brussels or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Brussels is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Brussels or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Brussels or Auxerre Better for Students?

Brussels is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Brussels is very popular with students. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Brussels or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Brussels is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Auxerre. 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 Auxerre. 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 Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

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 town of Auxerre offers museums and food. 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 Brussels or Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Auxerre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre 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 town 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Auxerre, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Auxerre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Auxerre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auxerre 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 Auxerre.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Auxerre?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

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 Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Auxerre. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Auxerre. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Auxerre. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Auxerre. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In April, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Brussels