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

Should you visit Brussels or Hannover?

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 Hannover. 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 historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Hannover

Hannover is a dynamic, diverse, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Brussels or Hannover?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Hannover, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hannover is known for its nightlife. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Hannover is popular for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)
La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels
Hannover

Brussels is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


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

Brussels
Hannover

Brussels is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Brussels or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

Brussels
Hannover

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

Hannover is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

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 Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Brussels
Hannover

Brussels is a great city for its historic old town. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

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 people head to Hannover to see the old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Hannover?

Brussels
Hannover

Brussels is very popular for shopping. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Brussels. 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.

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Brussels or Hannover Better for Families?

Brussels
Hannover

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

Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Brussels or Hannover Better for Couples?

Brussels
Hannover

Brussels is a great city for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.


Is Brussels or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels
Hannover

Brussels is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Brussels is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Brussels or Hannover Better for Students?

Brussels
Hannover

Brussels and Hannover are excellent places to visit for students.

Many students visit 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.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

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

Brussels
Hannover

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

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Hannover has some very good public transit options. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.


Is Brussels or Hannover a more walkable city?

Brussels
Hannover

Brussels and Hannover both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Hannover is a very walkable city. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or Hannover to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than Hannover because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-2 days is enough time in Hannover.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Hannover. 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 Hannover. 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 Hannover 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.


  • How many days in Brussels or Hannover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Brussels 1-5 
    Hannover 1-2

One day in Brussels or Hannover?

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 city of Hannover offers food and shopping. 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 Hannover?

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.

Hannover 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hannover, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Brussels or Hannover?

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.

Hannover 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 Hannover?

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.

Hannover is a great place to explore. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, and The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Hannover or Brussels?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels is €137, while the average daily cost in Hannover is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Brussels and Hannover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brussels 73
    Hannover 85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brussels 146
    Hannover 170
Compare Hotels in Brussels and Hannover

Looking for a hotel in Brussels or Hannover? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Brussels


Hotels in Hannover


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Brussels Hotel Prices and Hannover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brussels 17
    Hannover 23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    4.50
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • Private Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam: $509
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $499
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam by Luxury car: $289
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $283
  • Private Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam By Luxury car: $274
  • Private Direct Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam: $260
  • Private VIP Transfer to/from Bruges: $249
  • Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Charleroi Airport (CRL): $233
  • Private Transfer From Brussels To Circuit SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS Belgium Luxury car : $193
  • Transfer Shuttle Leuven <-> Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $177
  • Transfer Shuttle Leuven <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $177
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> SPA (1 to 8 PLACES): $158

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

Also for Hannover, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $292
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $273
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $214
  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Brussels or Hannover?

Prices for flights to both Hannover and Brussels change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Brussels 38
    Hannover 49
Typical Food Prices in Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    4.60
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    4.75
  • Cheese
    5.60
  • Olives and Snacks
    6.98
  • Waffle
    3.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $30
  • Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $60
  • Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local: $90
  • Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $107
  • Secret Food Tours Brussels: $112
  • The 10 Tastings of Brussels With Locals: PRIVATE Food Tour (B-Corp certified): $159
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $165
  • Brussels Private Custom Food Tour with a Local Foodie : $194

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brussels 23
    Hannover 35

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beer Tasting Tour in Brussels: $24
  • Brussels Walking Tour with Waffle Tasting: History and Delights: $23
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Christmas Gems of Brussels - Walking Tour: $264
  • 2-Hour Brussels Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in the templar village of Lissewege: $76
  • 3 Hour Private Bike Tour in Brussels: $201
  • 3 hours Belgian Truffles and Pastries Experience: $71
  • 4 Hour Private Tour in Brussels : $276
  • 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99

Tours and Activities in Hannover

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hannover.

  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $21
  • SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket: $21
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $41
  • Culinary bike tour: $42
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $121
  • Virtual reality experience in Langenhagen: $132
  • Personal Travel and Vacation Photography Tour in Hannover: $198
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $254

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brussels 13
    Hannover 34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    10
  • Beer
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $18
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18


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


Which is Bigger, Brussels or Hannover?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Hannover. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Hannover, 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 Hannover?

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 Hannover in the Summer?

Both Hannover and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Hannover in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Hannover fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Hannover. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Brussels 18°C (65°F) 
    Hannover 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Hannover in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Hannover. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hannover for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Brussels is a little warmer than Hannover. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Hannover averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Hannover. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Brussels 12°C (54°F) 
    Hannover 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Hannover in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Hannover. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Hannover in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hannover can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. In January, Brussels is generally much warmer than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Hannover. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Hannover. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Brussels 3°C (38°F) 
    Hannover 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Hannover in the Spring?

Both Hannover and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Hannover for the activities around the city during these months.

Brussels is a little warmer than Hannover in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Hannover fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Hannover. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Brussels 10°C (49°F) 
    Hannover 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Hannover and Brussels

Brussels Hannover
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)