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

Should you visit Brussels or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo. 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. 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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Brussels and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Sarajevo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Sarajevo attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Brussels is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Sarajevo have excellent 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.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Sarajevo has a few options to choose from. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Brussels or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is Brussels or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Sarajevo?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Is Brussels or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Brussels is very family-friendly. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Brussels or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Brussels is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Brussels or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Sarajevo are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Many backpackers visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Brussels or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

The public transit in Sarajevo can get you to most places easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Brussels or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Brussels is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Sarajevo?

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

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

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

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

Five days in Brussels or Sarajevo?

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Sarajevo 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Sarajevo?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Sarajevo. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. Brussels is much colder than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Sarajevo. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Brussels is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Brussels