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

Should you visit Brussels or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. 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 Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Brussels or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Bordeaux?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Brussels or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Brussels is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Brussels or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Brussels and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Brussels or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Brussels or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Brussels and Bordeaux are superb places to visit for 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.

Bordeaux is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Brussels or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Brussels and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Bordeaux?

In either Brussels or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Brussels has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Brussels than Bordeaux. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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 beautiful city of Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux 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 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Brussels and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Bordeaux?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Bordeaux. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Brussels