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

Should you visit Brussels or Washington?

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 Washington. 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 authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Brussels travel costs.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Washington travel costs.

Brussels and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Washington?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Washington than Brussels. While Brussels is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Washington is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Brussels is known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Washington is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Brussels different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Washington is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Washington that are not to be missed. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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.

Is Brussels or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is well known for theatre. However, Brussels is not a theatre destination.

Washington offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Brussels is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington 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 Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington Better for Nightlife?

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

Washington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

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 Washington Better for Music?

Washington is a good destination for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Brussels or Washington Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is great for its historic old town. However, Washington does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Washington does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Washington Better for Hiking?

Washington is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Washington has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Washington?

Brussels is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Brussels. 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.

Washington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Brussels or Washington More Beautiful?

Washington is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or Washington Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Washington are high quality 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, Washington is very family-friendly. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Is Brussels or Washington Better for Couples?

Brussels and Washington both high quality 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.

Washington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Is Brussels or Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brussels is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Brussels or Washington Better for Students?

Washington is renowned for students. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brussels and Washington.

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

Public transit in Washington is top-notch. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Is Brussels or Washington a more walkable city?

Washington is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Washington on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Washington or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Washington?

Both Brussels and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Brussels. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 3-7 days is enough time in Washington.

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

Couples should spend more time in Washington than Brussels. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Washington that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington than Brussels 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 Washington.

One day in Brussels or Washington?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful city of Washington offers shopping and museums. 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 Washington?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Washington is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Washington?

Brussels, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Washington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Washington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Washington?

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Washington, we can see that Washington is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Washington is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Washington?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Brussels is cooler than Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Washington. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Washington. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Brussels is cooler than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Washington during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Washington. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Washington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Washington. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Washington can be very cold. Brussels can be very cold during winter. In January, Brussels is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Washington. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Washington. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

Brussels is cooler than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Washington during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Washington. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Washington and Brussels