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

Should you visit Brussels or Verona?

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 Verona. 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Verona

Verona is a beautiful, stunning, and romantic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Verona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Verona. 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 Verona attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Verona is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Verona have superb 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.

Verona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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

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

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).

Verona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Brussels or Verona Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Verona has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Brussels or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Brussels and Verona.

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 Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Verona?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Many visitors go to Verona to go shopping. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Brussels or Verona Better for Families?

Brussels is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Brussels or Verona Better for Couples?

Brussels and Verona both superb 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.

Verona is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

Is Brussels or Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Verona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Brussels or Verona Better for Students?

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

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Verona is a good city to visit for students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

Is Brussels or Verona 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, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Verona has a few public transit options. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Brussels or Verona a more walkable city?

Brussels and Verona both are superb 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.

Verona is a very walkable city. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Verona?

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

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

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Verona offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Brussels or Verona?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Brussels or Verona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Verona 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Brussels. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Verona is a great place to explore. 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Verona, we can see that Verona 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 Verona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Verona 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 Verona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Verona?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Verona. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

Both Verona and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Verona for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Verona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Verona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Verona, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Verona. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 286 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Brussels or Verona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Verona. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Verona in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Brussels is generally cooler than Verona. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Verona fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Verona during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Verona. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Verona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Verona. Many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Verona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Verona can be very cold during winter. Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Brussels is much warmer than Verona in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Verona fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Verona. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 98 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Verona. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Verona receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Verona in the Spring?

Both Verona and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Verona because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Verona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Verona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Verona during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Verona. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Verona and Brussels