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

Should you visit Brussels or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia. 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Brussels and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Philadelphia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Brussels. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Brussels attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Philadelphia is famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. It is also well known for The Liberty Bell.

How is Brussels different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia that are not to be missed. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

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 Brussels or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is well known for theatre. However, Brussels is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Brussels is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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).

Philadelphia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

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

Philadelphia is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

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 Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Philadelphia offers a nice historic old town area. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Philadelphia?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Brussels draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Brussels does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Brussels does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Brussels does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Brussels does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia is very family-friendly. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Brussels makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Philadelphia is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Brussels and Philadelphia are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Philadelphia is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Brussels or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Philadelphia?

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

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

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

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The city of Philadelphia offers shopping and museums. 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 Philadelphia?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Brussels or Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Philadelphia?

Brussels is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Philadelphia. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Philadelphia. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia 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. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

It's quite cold in Philadelphia in the winter. The weather in Brussels can be very cold. Brussels is much warmer than Philadelphia in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Philadelphia. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Philadelphia in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Brussels