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

Should you visit Brussels or Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Nantes. Brussels is bigger than Nantes, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Nantes is more popular for its food, nightlife, 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). Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Nantes have great 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.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

Nantes is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Brussels has a huge number of terrific 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).

Is Brussels or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Nantes?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Brussels or Nantes Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Nantes 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, Nantes is very family-friendly. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Brussels or Nantes Better for Couples?

Brussels and Nantes 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.

Nantes is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Brussels or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Brussels or Nantes Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

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

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

Visitors to Nantes can move around easily with public transportation. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Brussels or Nantes a more walkable city?

Brussels and Nantes both are great 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.

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Nantes. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Nantes. 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 Nantes 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 Nantes?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. 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 Nantes?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nantes 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 Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Brussels. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Brussels is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

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

Should I visit Brussels or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

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

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Nantes. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

In April, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Nantes. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Brussels