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

Should you visit Brussels or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro. 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. 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. See Brussels travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a multicultural, festive, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Brussels and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Rio de Janeiro?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rio de Janeiro than Brussels. Rio de Janeiro is bigger than Brussels, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Brussels is more popular for its historical sights. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. Also, Rio de Janeiro is famous for Christ the Redeemer. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Brussels different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro that are not to be missed. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

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 the Food Better in Brussels or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Rio de Janeiro is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Rio de Janeiro?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rio de Janeiro and Brussels.

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.

Known for shopping, Rio de Janeiro draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Is Brussels or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Rio de Janeiro are very good 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, Rio de Janeiro is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Brussels or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Brussels and Rio de Janeiro both very good 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Brussels or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rio de Janeiro is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Brussels is a great destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Brussels or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Brussels and Rio de Janeiro both are very good 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Rio de Janeiro?

Brussels and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Brussels because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Brussels or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro offers food and shopping. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Brussels. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Brussels usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

Brussels is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Should I visit Brussels or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Rio de Janeiro. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Brussels is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Brussels