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

Should you visit Brussels or Recife?

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 Recife. 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 multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Brussels travel costs.

Recife

Recife is a cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Recife travel costs.

Brussels and Recife: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Recife?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Brussels than Recife. While Recife is larger than Brussels, Brussels has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Recife attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Recife is famous for its football and music scenes.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Recife?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Recife have very good 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.

Recife offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is large and cultural, so there are a number of museums that you can explore. Some of the favorites include the Instituto Ricardo Brennand, the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, the State of Pernambuco Museum, and the Recife City Museum.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Brussels and Recife.

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).

Recife has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find plenty of local restaurants around town. Grilled meat is a staple in many of the dishes and you should definitely visit a churrascaria, which is a restaurant that specializes in cooking meat in the churrasco style. Food carts are great for picking up a coxinha (a pastry), and other local dishes include camarão na moranga (pumpkin stuffed with shrimp) and picanha (sirloin cap).

Is Brussels or Recife Better for Nightlife?

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

Recife is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many visitors come for Carnival, and this is the obvious time to visit if you're looking for the best parties. Even during the other times of the year, you'll find many happy hours, dance clubs, and live music to enjoy.

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 Recife Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Recife for it's beautiful beaches. The city's beaches are clean and enjoyable to visit and one of the most famous is Praia de Boa Viagem. Some beaches are lined with hotels and nightclubs while others are a bit more removed. If you decide to swim, do take note that shark attacks in the area are a real concern.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Recife Better for its Old Town?

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

Brussels is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Recife does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Recife?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Recife. The city has many local shops, art galleries, and larger shopping centers. Whether you're looking for clothing or a cultural souvenir, there are many places to browse.

Is Brussels or Recife Better for Families?

Brussels is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Recife is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Recife is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a couple of museums that are good for kids, like Museu do Mamulengo. There are also beaches that are relatively clean for swimming, but make sure you go where the locals go and be very aware of the water conditions.

Is Brussels or Recife Better for Couples?

Brussels is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Recife is a good city for couples to visit. There are beaches and restaurants that make for a nice date day. You can explore the city, visit some museums, and soak up the local culture.

Is Brussels or Recife Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Recife. There are a few hostels around town, but they do fill up quickly. The city is often overlooked by tourists but if you're looking for an authentic experience, then this is your place.

Is Brussels or Recife Better for Students?

Brussels is a well-known place for students. However, Recife is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Recife is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Recife has some public transit options. The city has a metro system as well as city buses.

Is Brussels or Recife a more walkable city?

Brussels is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Recife is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Recife is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the city are more walkable than others. It's also best not to walk alone at night.

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

Should I spend more time in Recife or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Recife?

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

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Recife. 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 Recife. 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 Recife 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 Recife?

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 city of Recife offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Recife?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Recife?

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.

Recife 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 Recife?

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.

Recife is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.

When comparing the travel costs between Brussels and Recife, we can see that Recife is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Brussels is in Europe and Recife is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Recife?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Recife, 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 Recife?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Recife is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Brussels has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brussels or Recife in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Recife. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Recife because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Recife. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Recife averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Recife this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Recife during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Recife receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

Recife receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than Recifein January. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Recife receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, March to August is the rainy season in Recife.

Should I visit Brussels or Recife in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Recife. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Recife this time of year.

In October, Brussels is generally much colder than Recifein April. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Recife fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Recifein April. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Recife receives 185 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Recife. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Recifein April. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Recife receives 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Recife in the Winter?

Both Recife and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Recife for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. Brussels is much colder than Recife in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Recife fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in July.

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Recife during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Recife receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Recifein July. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Recife receives 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Recife is March to August.

Should I visit Brussels or Recife in the Spring?

Both Recife and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Recife in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Brussels is much colder than Recife. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Recife averages at about 25°C (77°F)in October.

In Recife, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Recifein October. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Recife receives 247 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Recifein October. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Recife receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to December is the dry season in Recife.

Typical Weather for Recife and Brussels