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

Should you visit Brussels or Baden-Baden?

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 Baden-Baden. 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a historic, relaxing, and nature-oriented spa town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Brussels and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Baden-Baden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Baden-Baden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Baden-Baden attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Baden-Baden is famous for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

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

Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

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 Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Baden-Baden.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Baden-Baden has a few options to choose from. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Brussels or Baden-Baden Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a well-known place for its old town. However, Baden-Baden 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.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden offers some nice hiking trails. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Baden-Baden?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Baden-Baden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Is Brussels or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Baden-Baden 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, Baden-Baden is very family-friendly. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

Is Brussels or Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

Brussels and Baden-Baden both great 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.

Baden-Baden is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Is Brussels or Baden-Baden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Brussels or Baden-Baden Better for Students?

Brussels is a well-known place for students. However, Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

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.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Brussels or Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Brussels is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Baden-Baden?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Baden-Baden. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Baden-Baden. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-3 days is enough time in Baden-Baden.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Baden-Baden. 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 Baden-Baden. 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 Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden?

Brussels is a authentic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The spa town of Baden-Baden 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.

A weekend in Brussels or Baden-Baden?

Brussels is a multicultural big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Brussels or Baden-Baden?

Brussels is a authentic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Baden-Baden is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Baden-Baden?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Baden-Baden is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This spa 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 Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Baden-Baden?

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

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 Brussels or Baden-Baden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Baden-Baden. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Brussels is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baden-Baden this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Baden-Baden during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baden-Baden. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Baden-Baden. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Baden-Baden. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Baden-Baden. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

Both Baden-Baden and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baden-Baden in the winter. The weather in Brussels can be very cold. Brussels is much warmer than Baden-Baden in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Baden-Baden during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baden-Baden. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

Both Baden-Baden and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Baden-Baden. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Brussels