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

Should you visit Brussels or Glencoe?

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 Glencoe. 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 multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan 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.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a beautiful, picturesque, and natural village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food and hiking.

Brussels and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brussels than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brussels is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Glencoe is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Glencoe is well known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe 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 Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Brussels or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Brussels or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Brussels is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Glencoe is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Glencoe. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Glencoe?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Brussels or Glencoe Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Glencoe are very good 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, Glencoe is very family-friendly. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Brussels or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Brussels and Glencoe both very good 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.

Glencoe is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Brussels or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Brussels or Glencoe Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Glencoe is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Glencoe is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Brussels or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Brussels is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Glencoe?

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

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

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The beautiful village of Glencoe offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Glencoe?

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer.

Glencoe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Glencoe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Glencoe?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Glencoe is a great place to explore. 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 village 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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