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

Should you visit Brussels or Brasilia?

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 Brasilia. 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brussels travel costs.

Brasilia

Brasilia is a cultural, lively, 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. See Brasilia travel costs.

Brussels and Brasilia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Brasilia?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Brussels than Brasilia. While Brasilia is larger than Brussels, Brussels has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Brussels is more touristy than Brasilia and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Brasilia is well known for its modernist architecture, abundant green space, and planned layout.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Brasilia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Brasilia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums that highlight the city's rich history, modernist architecture, and diverse culture. Notable museums include the Museu Nacional, showcasing contemporary art, and the Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB), which focuses on Brazilian art. The Memorial dos Povos Indígenas offers insight into indigenous cultures, while the Museu do Catetinho takes visitors through the early days of the city’s creation.

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

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Brussels is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Brasilia. The city's food scene is diverse, offering a mix of traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine. Since it is home to people from all over Brazil, you can find food from many different regions in one place. Popular dishes include Picanha (Brazilian steak), Feijoada (black bean and pork stew), and Tucunaré na Brasa (grilled fish).

Is Brussels or Brasilia Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Brasilia has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is more sophisticated and calm compared to other Brazilian capitals. It's not a party city by traditional standards, but it's ideal for those looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and live music in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you're looking for high-energy nightlife, the city might feel quieter, but it's still plenty of fun.

Is Brussels or Brasilia Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Brasilia 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.

Brasilia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Brasilia?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Brasilia. There is a mix of modern malls, local markets, and high-end boutiques. The city is home to several large shopping centers, such as Shopping Iguatemi, ParkShopping, and Conjunto Nacional, which feature a variety of international brands, local shops, and food courts. For more traditional items, the Feira da Torre is a popular open-air market where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods.

Is Brussels or Brasilia Better for Families?

Brussels is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is known to be 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.

Brasilia offers lots of family activities. While it doesn't have as many theme parks as some of the other large cities in Brazil, there are a number of activities that families can enjoy. There's the Parque da Cidade, where children can ride bikes and play on playgrounds. There's also Nicolândia, a small amusement park with exciting rides. At the Brasília Zoo, kids can see native animals like jaguars, toucans, and capybaras while learning about Brazil's wildlife. The Planetarium of Brasília is a great spot for young space enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating star shows.

Is Brussels or Brasilia Better for Couples?

Brussels is well known for couples. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Brasilia is a nice destination for couples. There are sunset boat rides on Paranoá Lake. If you enjoy culture, you can visit the National Museum or admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Brasília. A romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant in Pontão do Lago Sul is perfect for a night out with delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. For nature lovers, a peaceful walk or picnic at Jardim Botânico de Brasília provides a lovely escape from the city.

Is Brussels or Brasilia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Brasilia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's fascinating architecture and great green spaces, but the city has limited nightlife and it isn't the most popular destination for backpackers. There are some budget-friendly hostels and public buses that make it possible to explore without spending too much. Though it lacks a strong backpacker scene, Brasília's mix of culture, green spaces, and history makes it an interesting stop for adventurous travelers.

Is Brussels or Brasilia Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Brasilia 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.

Brasilia is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for its public transit. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Brasilia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transit system is relatively limited compared to larger Brazilian cities, but it still offers a few options for getting around. The Metro is an efficient choice for traveling through central areas, with two main lines that connect key neighborhoods like Asa Norte and Plano Piloto. There are also buses that are more comprehensive.

Is Brussels or Brasilia a more walkable city?

Brussels is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for its walkability.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Brasilia is generally not a very walkable city. The city isn't particularly walkable because it is very spread out.

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

Should I spend more time in Brasilia or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Brasilia?

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

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

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 city of Brasilia 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 Brasilia?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Brasilia?

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.

Brasilia 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 Brasilia?

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.

Brasilia 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Brasilia, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Brasilia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Brasilia is in South 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 Brasilia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brasilia 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels than you might in Brasilia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brussels Expensive? and Is Brasilia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Brasilia?

Brasilia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Brasilia, 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.