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

Should you visit Brussels or Reims?

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 Reims. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

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

Brussels and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Reims?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Reims. Brussels is bigger than Reims, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Reims is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. 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).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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 Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Reims.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Brussels or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Reims?

Brussels is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Is Brussels or Reims Better for Families?

Brussels is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is known to be 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Brussels or Reims Better for Couples?

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

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Reims is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Brussels or Reims Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is very popular for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Brussels or Reims a more walkable city?

Brussels and Reims 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.

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Reims?

In either Brussels or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Brussels has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Brussels than Reims. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

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

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful city of Reims 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 Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Brussels or Reims?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Reims is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reims, 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 Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural big city of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reims 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Brussels and Reims, we can see that Brussels 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Reims?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Reims, 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 Reims?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Brussels or Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Reims. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Reims during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Reims. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Reims in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Reims in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Reims. 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 Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In the winter, Brussels is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Reims averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Reims. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Reims in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Reims. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty.

In April, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Reims. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reims and Brussels