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

Should you visit Brussels or Connemara?

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 Connemara. 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. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Connemara

Connemara is a natural, remote, and dramatic region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Brussels and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Connemara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brussels than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brussels is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Connemara is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Brussels is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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

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

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).

Connemara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Brussels or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Brussels. 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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Brussels or Connemara Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Connemara for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Connemara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Connemara?

Brussels is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Brussels or Connemara Better for Families?

Brussels is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Brussels or Connemara Better for Couples?

Brussels and Connemara 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.

Connemara is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Brussels or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Brussels or Connemara Better for Students?

Brussels is a well-known place for students. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is terrific for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Brussels can take you anywhere. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Brussels or Connemara a more walkable city?

Brussels is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is not a very walkable city. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Connemara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Connemara. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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 region of Connemara offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Connemara?

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.

Connemara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this region makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Connemara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Connemara?

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.

Connemara is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Connemara?

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.

Connemara is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This region 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 in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Brussels or Connemara?

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 Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Connemara. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally a little warmer than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Connemara. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Connemara. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Connemara in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Connemara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Connemara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Connemara averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Connemara. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Connemara. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Brussels