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

Should you visit Brussels or Limerick?

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 Limerick. 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Limerick. Brussels is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Limerick is more popular for its impressive beauty. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

Brussels is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Brussels has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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).

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Brussels or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Limerick has a few options to choose from. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Brussels or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Limerick?

Brussels is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Brussels specifically to go shopping. 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Brussels or Limerick Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brussels. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Brussels or Limerick Better for Couples?

Brussels is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Brussels or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Brussels or Limerick Better for Students?

Brussels is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

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

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

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Brussels or Limerick a more walkable city?

Brussels is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Limerick?

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

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

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 city of Limerick offers food and shopping. 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Limerick, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick is a great place to explore. 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Limerick?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally a little warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Limerick. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Limerick. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Limerick. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Limerick. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Limerick because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

In April, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Brussels