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

Should you visit Brussels or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier. 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Brussels and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Montpellier. Brussels is bigger than Montpellier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and 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). Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Montpellier have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Brussels is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Brussels is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Brussels or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Brussels or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Montpellier is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Montpellier?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Brussels or Montpellier Better for Families?

Brussels is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is known to be 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Brussels or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Brussels and Montpellier both excellent 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.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Brussels or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Montpellier 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 Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Brussels or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is renowned for students. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Brussels or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Brussels and Montpellier both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Montpellier?

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

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Montpellier. 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 Montpellier. 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.

One day in Brussels or Montpellier?

Brussels is a historic 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 beautiful city of Montpellier offers 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 Montpellier?

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.

Montpellier 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Montpellier?

Brussels is a multicultural 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.

Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

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.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Montpellier?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Brussels is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Montpellier. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Brussels