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

Should you visit Brussels or Toulouse?

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 Toulouse. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a vibrant, friendly, and relaxed city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Toulouse?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Toulouse. Brussels is bigger than Toulouse, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Toulouse is more popular for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Brussels is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Toulouse 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.

Toulouse offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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

Toulouse 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 Toulouse, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

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

Toulouse is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

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 Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Brussels and Toulouse.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Toulouse?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Is Brussels or Toulouse Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Toulouse 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, Toulouse is very family-friendly. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Brussels or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Brussels and Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Brussels or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Brussels or Toulouse Better for Students?

Brussels is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Brussels has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Brussels or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Brussels and Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is a very walkable city. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Brussels or Toulouse. 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 Toulouse.

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

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

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 city of Toulouse offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Toulouse?

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.

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

Five days in Brussels or Toulouse?

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.

Toulouse is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Toulouse?

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.

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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.

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 Toulouse, 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 Toulouse Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Toulouse?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse?

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 Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Toulouse, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Toulouse. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Toulouse. The autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

Brussels is cooler than Toulouse in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Toulouse. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse 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 Toulouse. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulouse averages at about 6°C (44°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Toulouse. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Brussels