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

Should you visit Brussels or Houston?

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 Houston. 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. 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.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Brussels and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Houston?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Brussels than Houston. While Houston is larger than Brussels, Brussels has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Houston attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. Brussels is more touristy than Houston and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Houston have excellent 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston 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).

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Brussels or Houston Better for Nightlife?

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

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a good destination for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or Houston Better for its Old Town?

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

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Houston?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Brussels or Houston Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Houston are excellent 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, Houston is very family-friendly. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Brussels or Houston Better for Couples?

Brussels is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Brussels or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Brussels or Houston Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Brussels or Houston a more walkable city?

Brussels is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Houston?

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

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

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 city of Houston offers museums and nightlife. 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 Houston?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Houston?

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.

Houston 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 Houston?

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.

Houston 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, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Houston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Brussels.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brussels Expensive? and Is Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the summer, Brussels is much colder than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than Houston. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Brussels is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Houston. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. Brussels is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Houston. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Brussels is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Brussels