A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brussels vs. Turin (Torino) for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Brussels or Turin (Torino)?

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 Turin (Torino). 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a beautiful, authentic, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Turin (Torino)?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Turin (Torino). Brussels is bigger than Turin (Torino), and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Turin (Torino) is more popular for its impressive beauty. 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). Turin (Torino) is well known for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

Both Brussels and Turin (Torino) have great 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.

Turin (Torino) offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city boasts a number of museums including The Egyptian Museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Other landmarks include the Royal Armory, The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud, and Palazzo Madama.

Is the Food Better in Brussels or Turin (Torino)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Brussels and Turin (Torino).

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).

Turin (Torino) has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region has been credited with being the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. The dishes often use locally made ingredients and there are very diverse flavors and recipes. Local favorites include antipasto misto, risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto), and carne cruda (beef tartare).

Is Brussels or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Turin (Torino).

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 Turin (Torino) has a few options to choose from. There's a good nightlife scene that includes everything from bars to dance clubs. Via Po is one of the city's main bar hopping streets. For a more relaxed night out head to Via Garibaldi which has a number of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Is Brussels or Turin (Torino) Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) 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.

Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Turin (Torino)?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Turin (Torino). The city has everything from high end shopping to local boutiques. For the best luxury shopping head to Via Roma. Via Garibaldi is another popular pedestrian street that has many shops and restaurants.

Is Brussels or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Brussels is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly city. If the kids need to stretch their legs, head to Valentino Park. For kid-friendly museums, check out The Cinema Museum The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Car. It's also fun to take a ride of the historic tram.

Is Brussels or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

Brussels and Turin (Torino) both great 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.

Turin (Torino) is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With grand squares, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine, couples will enjoy every minute of their trip to Turin. The city is also near the Alps, so outdoor adventure isn't far away.

Is Brussels or Turin (Torino) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Turin (Torino) are great 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 Turin (Torino). You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

Is Brussels or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Brussels and Turin (Torino) are great 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.

Turin (Torino) is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's relatively easy to find study abroad opportunities to the area. The city's atmosphere is diverse and fun with many activities that the student population can enjoy.

Is Brussels or Turin (Torino) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels is renowned for its public transit. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Visitors to Turin (Torino) can move around easily with public transportation. The public transit system is operated by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and includes one metro line, nine tram lines, and a number of bus lines.

Is Brussels or Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?

Brussels is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Turin (Torino) is somewhat walkable. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Turin (Torino) or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Turin (Torino). With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Turin (Torino). Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Turin (Torino).

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

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 Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

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.

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino), a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Turin (Torino)?

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.

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)?

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.

Turin (Torino) 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Brussels and Turin (Torino), we can see that Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Turin (Torino)?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Turin (Torino). When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Turin (Torino), 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.