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

Should you visit Brussels or Lillehammer?

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 Lillehammer. 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 colorful, multicultural, and historic 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.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a sporty, natural, and adventure-filled city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Brussels and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Lillehammer?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Lillehammer are both popular with visitors, Brussels has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brussels is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Lillehammer is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Lillehammer is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lillehammer and Brussels. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is well known for winter skiing. However, Brussels is not a skiing destination.

Lillehammer is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Brussels is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brussels or Lillehammer?

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Brussels and Lillehammer.

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).

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Lillehammer?

Brussels is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Lillehammer are great 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, Lillehammer is very family-friendly. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Brussels and Lillehammer both great 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.

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer Better for Students?

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

Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Brussels or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Brussels is well known for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer.

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

Brussels is a authentic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Lillehammer offers museums and skiing. 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 Lillehammer?

Brussels is a authentic big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Brussels or Lillehammer?

Brussels is a cosmopolitan city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lillehammer 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 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Lillehammer?

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