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

Should you visit Brussels or Avignon?

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 Avignon. 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 historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a quaint, charming, and scenic town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Brussels and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Avignon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Avignon. Brussels is bigger than Avignon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Avignon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Avignon is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. 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 Brussels different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon 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 Avignon that are not to be missed. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific 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).

Is Brussels or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Brussels or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Avignon?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Brussels or Avignon Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Brussels or Avignon Better for Couples?

Brussels and Avignon both excellent destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Avignon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Brussels or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Brussels or Avignon Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Brussels or Avignon a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Avignon on foot is easy. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore 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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than Avignon 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 Avignon.

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

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

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.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

A weekend in Brussels or Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Avignon, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Avignon?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Avignon. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Avignon. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Brussels is cooler than Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Avignon. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Avignon. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Avignon. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Avignon. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Brussels