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

Should you visit Brussels or Killarney?

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 Killarney. 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a charming, local, and natural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Brussels and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Killarney are both popular with visitors, Brussels has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brussels is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Killarney is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Killarney is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

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

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Killarney has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Is Brussels or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Is Brussels or Killarney Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its historic old town. However, Killarney 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.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Killarney Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Killarney. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Killarney?

Brussels is terrific for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Brussels or Killarney Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Killarney 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, Killarney is very family-friendly. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

Is Brussels or Killarney Better for Couples?

Brussels and Killarney 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.

Killarney is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Is Brussels or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Killarney. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

Is Brussels or Killarney Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Killarney 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.

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is terrific for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.

Is Brussels or Killarney a more walkable city?

Brussels is well known for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Killarney is not a very walkable city. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

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

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Killarney?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Killarney. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Killarney. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Killarney.

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

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The town of Killarney offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Killarney?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Killarney 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Killarney, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Killarney?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Killarney 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 Killarney?

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Killarney 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 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Killarney?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Killarney, 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 Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

Both Killarney and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Brussels is a little warmer than Killarney in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Killarney. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

In the autumn, Brussels is around the same temperature as Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Killarney. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Killarney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Killarney. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Killarney for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

Killarney receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Killarney. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Killarney. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Killarney in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Killarney. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Killarney and Brussels