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

Should you visit Brussels or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant 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 and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Baltimore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Baltimore. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Baltimore attracts visitors for its nightlife. Baltimore is more touristy than Brussels and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. 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).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Baltimore have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Baltimore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Brussels and Baltimore.

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).

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Brussels or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its old town. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Baltimore?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Brussels or Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Baltimore are high quality 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, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Brussels or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Brussels is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Brussels or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Brussels or Baltimore Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Brussels or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Brussels and Baltimore both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Baltimore. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Brussels or Baltimore?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Baltimore 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Baltimore?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Baltimore. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Baltimore. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. Brussels can be very cold during winter. Brussels is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Baltimore. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Brussels