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

Should you visit Brussels or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Hvar are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. 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 Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Brussels and Hvar.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Hvar has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Brussels or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is notable for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Hvar?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Brussels or Hvar Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Hvar 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, Hvar is very family-friendly. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Brussels or Hvar Better for Couples?

Brussels and Hvar 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.

Hvar is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Brussels or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hvar is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Brussels is notable for students. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Brussels or Hvar a more walkable city?

Brussels is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Brussels due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

One day in Brussels or Hvar?

Brussels is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hvar is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island 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 Hvar, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Hvar?

Brussels is a cosmopolitan big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Hvar?

The colorful city of Brussels offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Hvar, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Hvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hvar 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels than you might in Hvar.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Hvar?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Hvar. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Hvar. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Hvar. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Hvar. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Brussels is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Brussels