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

Should you visit Brussels or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown. 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Brussels travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a adventure-filled, outdoorsy, and nature-oriented city. Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Queenstown travel costs.

Brussels and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Queenstown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels. Although Brussels and Queenstown are both popular with visitors, Brussels has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brussels is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Queenstown is known for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Queenstown is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Brussels. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Brussels or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is renowned for winter skiing. However, Brussels is not a skiing destination.

Queenstown is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Brussels is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brussels or Queenstown?

Brussels is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown 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 Queenstown, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

Queenstown is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

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.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Queenstown is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Queenstown?

Brussels is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Brussels or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Queenstown is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or Queenstown Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Queenstown are excellent 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, Queenstown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Brussels or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Queenstown is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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.

Is Brussels or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Queenstown is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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.

Is Brussels or Queenstown Better for Students?

Brussels and Queenstown are excellent 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.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Brussels or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Brussels and Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Queenstown?

Both Brussels and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Brussels. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown than Brussels 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 Queenstown.

One day in Brussels or Queenstown?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful city of Queenstown offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Queenstown?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Queenstown 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Queenstown?

Brussels, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, 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 Queenstown?

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. 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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Queenstown?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Queenstown, 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.