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

Should you visit Brussels or Kinsale?

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 Kinsale. 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Brussels and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Kinsale are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kinsale attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. 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 Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

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 Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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

Kinsale is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Kinsale, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific 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).

Is Brussels or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Brussels or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a seaside town with a few options for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Brussels and Kinsale.

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 Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Brussels or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

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

Kinsale offers some nice hiking trails. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Kinsale?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Brussels draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Brussels or Kinsale Better for Families?

Brussels is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Brussels is very family-friendly. 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Brussels or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Brussels is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Kinsale is a good city for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Brussels or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is Brussels or Kinsale Better for Students?

Brussels is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Brussels or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Brussels is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town 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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Kinsale?

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

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

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Kinsale?

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer.

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

Five days in Brussels or Kinsale?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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 seaside 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Kinsale?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Kinsale, 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 Kinsale?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Brussels or Kinsale in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Brussels is a little warmer than Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Kinsale. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Kinsale. 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, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

In October, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Kinsale. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kinsale. Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Brussels is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kinsale. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Brussels