A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brussels vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Brussels or Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny. 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 authentic, colorful, and multicultural 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.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a fascinating, active, and ancient town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Kilkenny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Kilkenny are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Kilkenny attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. 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). Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Kilkenny have high quality 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.

Kilkenny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Brussels and Kilkenny.

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).

Kilkenny has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Brussels or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Brussels or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Brussels and Kilkenny.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Kilkenny?

Brussels is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Brussels or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Kilkenny are high quality 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, Kilkenny is very family-friendly. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

Is Brussels or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Brussels and Kilkenny both high quality 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.

Kilkenny is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Is Brussels or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Brussels or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Brussels is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Brussels is very popular with students. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is terrific for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Brussels can take you anywhere. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Is Brussels or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Brussels and Kilkenny both are high quality 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.

Kilkenny is a very walkable city. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Kilkenny?

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

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Kilkenny. 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 Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny?

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Kilkenny offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Kilkenny?

Brussels 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kilkenny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kilkenny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Kilkenny?

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Kilkenny, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Kilkenny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kilkenny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Kilkenny?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Kilkenny, 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 Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny in the Summer?

Both Kilkenny and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is a little warmer than Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Brussels is generally a little warmer than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Kilkenny in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Kilkenny. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Brussels is much colder than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Kilkenny. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

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

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Kilkenny. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Brussels