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

Should you visit Brussels or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz. 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 cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Brussels and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Biarritz are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. 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 Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Brussels and Biarritz.

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).

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Brussels or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

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

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Brussels or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Biarritz?

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

Known for shopping, Brussels draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Brussels or Biarritz Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Biarritz are superb 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, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Brussels or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Brussels and Biarritz both superb 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.

Biarritz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Brussels or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Biarritz are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Brussels or Biarritz Better for Students?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

Is Brussels or Biarritz 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, Biarritz 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Brussels or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Brussels and Biarritz both are superb 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Biarritz?

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

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Biarritz. 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz?

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

The seaside town of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Biarritz?

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

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Biarritz?

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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 city offers something for everyone.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. This seaside 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Biarritz?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Biarritz. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is around the same temperature as Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Biarritz. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

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

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Brussels