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

Should you visit Brussels or La Fortuna?

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 La Fortuna. 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 historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Brussels travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a stunning, scenic, and popular town. La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Brussels and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or La Fortuna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and La Fortuna are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while La Fortuna attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. La Fortuna is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. 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 La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is notable for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

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

Brussels is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

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

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 La Fortuna has a few options to choose from. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is renowned for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to La Fortuna for its luxury resorts. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is notable for its old town. However, La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

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.

La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around La Fortuna. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or La Fortuna?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town 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.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

La Fortuna is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna Better for Families?

Both Brussels and La Fortuna are excellent 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, La Fortuna is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

La Fortuna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

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.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and La Fortuna are excellent 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 La Fortuna. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna Better for Students?

Brussels is notable for students. However, La Fortuna is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

La Fortuna is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for its public transit. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

La Fortuna has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Brussels or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

Brussels is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable city. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

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

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or La Fortuna. 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 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than La Fortuna. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful town of La Fortuna offers food and nightlife. 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 La Fortuna?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

La Fortuna 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Fortuna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or La Fortuna?

Brussels, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna?

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Fortuna 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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or La Fortuna?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?

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

Should I visit Brussels or La Fortuna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and La Fortuna. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Brussels is much colder than La Fortuna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as La Fortuna. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

In October, Brussels is generally much colder than La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than La Fortuna. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than La Fortuna. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Also, May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Brussels or La Fortuna in the Winter?

Both La Fortuna and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. Brussels is much colder than La Fortuna in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or La Fortuna in the Spring?

Both La Fortuna and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

In the spring, Brussels is much colder than La Fortuna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 29°C (85°F).

In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than La Fortuna. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than La Fortuna. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, the hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November.

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Brussels