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

Should you visit Brussels or Jaco?

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 Jaco. 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 colorful, multicultural, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Brussels travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a laid back, popular, and touristy town. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Jaco travel costs.

Brussels and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Jaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brussels than Jaco, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brussels is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Jaco is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. 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).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Brussels has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Brussels or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

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

Jaco is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

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 Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco 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 Jaco. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Jaco Better for Beaches?

Jaco is a good destination for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Jaco offers a nice beach destination. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Jaco Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. 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.

Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Jaco?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Brussels specifically to go shopping. 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.

Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Brussels or Jaco Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brussels. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jaco. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Brussels or Jaco Better for Couples?

Brussels is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Brussels makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

Is Brussels or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Jaco are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Many backpackers visit Jaco. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

Is Brussels or Jaco Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Jaco is not popular with students.

Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Jaco is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Brussels or Jaco a more walkable city?

Brussels and Jaco both are great 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.

Jaco is a very walkable city. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or Jaco. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.

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

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 town of Jaco offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Jaco?

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.

Jaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Jaco?

Brussels is a authentic 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.

Jaco 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 Jaco?

The authentic 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.

Jaco is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Jaco, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Jaco is in Central 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 Jaco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaco 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 Jaco.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Jaco?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Jaco, 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 Jaco?

Brussels has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Jaco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Jaco. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

In July, Brussels is generally much colder than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In the summer, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Jaco. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Jaco. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Jaco in the Autumn?

Both Jaco and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Brussels is much colder than Jaco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Jaco. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Jaco is November to May. The hurricane season in Jaco is June to October.

Should I visit Brussels or Jaco in the Winter?

Both Jaco and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Jaco. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Jaco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Jaco. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Brussels is generally much colder than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Jaco. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to May in Jaco is the dry season. June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco.

Typical Weather for Jaco and Brussels