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

Should you visit Brussels or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona. 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 multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a high energy, youthful, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Brussels and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Brussels, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Brussels different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Barcelona have very good 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.

Barcelona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Brussels and Barcelona.

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).

Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Brussels or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Barcelona is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is renowned for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a good destination for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Brussels and Barcelona.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Barcelona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Barcelona 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, Barcelona draws large crowds to its stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Is Brussels or Barcelona Better for Families?

Brussels is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Brussels or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Brussels is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Brussels or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Many 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.

Is Brussels or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is renowned for students. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Barcelona is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

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

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

Brussels is renowned for its public transit. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

The public transit in Barcelona can get you around easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Is Brussels or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Brussels is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Barcelona?

Both Brussels and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Brussels. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Barcelona. 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 Barcelona. 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 Barcelona than Brussels 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 Barcelona.

One day in Brussels or Barcelona?

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 beautiful city of Barcelona offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Barcelona?

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.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Brussels is cooler than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Barcelona. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In the autumn, Brussels is cooler than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Brussels is cooler than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Barcelona. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Brussels