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

Should you visit Brussels or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart. 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 cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a diverse, dynamic, and modern city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Stuttgart?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Stuttgart. Brussels is bigger than Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart is more popular for its nightlife. Brussels is more touristy than Stuttgart and is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Stuttgart is well known for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Brussels and Stuttgart.

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).

Stuttgart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

Is Brussels or Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

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

Stuttgart is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

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 Stuttgart Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Stuttgart?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Brussels specifically to go shopping. 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.

Stuttgart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Is Brussels or Stuttgart Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brussels. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Brussels or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Brussels is a very popular place for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Brussels or Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Stuttgart is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Is Brussels or Stuttgart Better for Students?

Brussels and Stuttgart are superb 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.

Stuttgart is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Visitors to Stuttgart can move around easily with public transportation. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Is Brussels or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Brussels is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Stuttgart?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or Stuttgart. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Brussels due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-4 days is enough time in Stuttgart.

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

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Brussels or Stuttgart?

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Stuttgart is a great place to explore. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Stuttgart, we can see that Stuttgart is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Stuttgart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stuttgart than you might in Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Stuttgart?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Stuttgart. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Stuttgart. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stuttgart. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Stuttgart. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Stuttgart. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

Both Stuttgart and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Stuttgart in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Brussels is cooler than Stuttgart in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Stuttgart in the Winter?

Both Stuttgart and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Stuttgart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stuttgart can be very cold during winter. Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Brussels is around the same temperature as Stuttgart. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Stuttgart. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Stuttgart. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Stuttgart in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Stuttgart. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the activities around the city.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Stuttgart. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Brussels