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

Should you visit Brussels or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Brussels and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Kiel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Kiel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Kiel attracts visitors for its beaches. 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). Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel 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 Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

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

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Brussels or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Kiel.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Brussels or Kiel Better for Beaches?

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

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its old town. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Kiel?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Brussels or Kiel Better for Families?

Brussels is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Brussels or Kiel Better for Couples?

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

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Brussels or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Brussels or Kiel Better for Students?

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

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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Brussels has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Brussels or Kiel a more walkable city?

Brussels is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Kiel?

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

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

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 city of Kiel 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 Kiel?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Kiel?

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.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

The multicultural 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.

Kiel 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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Kiel?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than Kiel. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Brussels is generally a little warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kiel. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Kiel in the Winter?

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

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Brussels is much warmer than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Kiel. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Kiel in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Brussels is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Kiel. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Brussels