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

Should you visit Brussels or Montreal?

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 Montreal. 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. See Brussels travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Brussels and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Brussels. Montreal is bigger than Brussels, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Brussels different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montreal is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Brussels and Montreal.

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).

Montreal has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

Is Brussels or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Montreal is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

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.

Is Brussels or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Montreal is a world class music destination. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Brussels and Montreal.

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 Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Montreal?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Montreal and Brussels.

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.

Known for shopping, Montreal draws large crowds to its stores. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Is Brussels or Montreal Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Montreal are high quality 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, Montreal is very family-friendly. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Is Brussels or Montreal Better for Couples?

Brussels and Montreal both high quality 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.

Montreal is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

Is Brussels or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Brussels or Montreal Better for Students?

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

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

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 Montreal 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, Montreal 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Is Brussels or Montreal a more walkable city?

Brussels and Montreal both are high quality 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.

Montreal is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Montreal?

In either Brussels or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Montreal has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montreal than Brussels. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Brussels. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Montreal, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Brussels. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montreal that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

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 Montreal offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Montreal?

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.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montreal, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Montreal?

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.

Montreal 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Montreal is in North 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 Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal than you might in Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Montreal, 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 Montreal?

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 Montreal in the Summer?

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

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Montreal. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Brussels is a little warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Montreal. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Montreal in the Winter?

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

The weather in Montreal can be very cold. Brussels can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Brussels is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In April, Brussels is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Montreal. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Brussels