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

Should you visit Brussels or Dublin?

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 Dublin. 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 colorful, multicultural, and historic 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Brussels and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Dublin are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Dublin attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. Dublin is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. 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 Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Dublin have great 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.

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

Brussels is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Brussels. 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).

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Brussels or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Dublin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Brussels and Dublin.

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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Dublin?

Brussels is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dublin 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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Brussels or Dublin Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Dublin are great 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, Dublin is very family-friendly. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Is Brussels or Dublin Better for Couples?

Brussels and Dublin both great 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.

Dublin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Brussels or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Dublin are great 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 Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Brussels or Dublin Better for Students?

Brussels is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

Brussels is terrific for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Brussels or Dublin a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Dublin?

In either Brussels or Dublin, 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 Dublin. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Dublin 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 Dublin?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Dublin offers museums and nightlife. 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 Dublin?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Brussels or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Brussels. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Brussels is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Dublin. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dublin. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Dublin. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. Brussels is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublin. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Dublin. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Brussels is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Dublin. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Brussels