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

Should you visit Brussels or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural 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, shopping, and museums.

Brussels and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Budapest?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Brussels than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than Brussels, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its food and shopping, while Budapest attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Budapest is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. 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 Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Budapest 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.

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Brussels is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Brussels and Budapest.

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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Budapest?

Brussels is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Families?

Brussels is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Brussels is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Couples?

Brussels and Budapest both high quality 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.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Brussels or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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 Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brussels and Budapest.

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

Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Brussels or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Budapest?

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

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Budapest. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Brussels or Budapest?

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 Budapest offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Budapest?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Budapest?

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.

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

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.

Budapest is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Budapest, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Budapest. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Budapest. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Brussels can be very cold during winter. Brussels is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

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

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Budapest. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Brussels