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

Should you visit Brussels or Howth?

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 Howth. 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 cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful 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.

Howth

Howth is a scenic, peaceful, and coastal fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Brussels and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Howth are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. 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 Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

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

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Brussels or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Brussels or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Howth for it's beautiful beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Howth Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Howth Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Howth?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Brussels or Howth Better for Families?

Brussels is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Brussels or Howth Better for Couples?

Brussels is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth 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.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Brussels or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Brussels or Howth Better for Students?

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

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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Brussels or Howth a more walkable city?

Brussels and Howth both are superb 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.

Howth is a very walkable city. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than Howth 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 Howth.

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

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The fishing village of Howth offers museums and 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 Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Howth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Howth?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Howth 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 Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural big city of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Howth 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 fishing 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Brussels or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit Brussels or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

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

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

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

Should I visit Brussels or Howth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Howth. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

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

Should I visit Brussels or Howth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Howth. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Brussels