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

Should you visit Brussels or Florence?

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

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Florence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Florence attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Florence is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. 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 Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

Florence 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 Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Brussels or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Florence?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Brussels or Florence Better for Families?

Brussels is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Brussels or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Brussels or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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 Florence Better for Students?

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

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Brussels or Florence a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Florence?

Both Brussels and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Brussels. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Brussels. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Brussels or Florence?

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 Florence offers food 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 Florence?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Florence?

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.

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

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.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Florence?

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

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Florence. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Florence. 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 Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Florence. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Florence. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. Brussels is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Florence. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Florence. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Florence. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Brussels