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

Should you visit Bucharest or Brussels?

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 Bucharest and Brussels. 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Brussels?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Brussels than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Brussels, Brussels has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Brussels is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Bucharest different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Brussels and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Brussels?

Brussels is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Brussels. 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).

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

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 Bucharest or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Brussels?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Bucharest or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Brussels?

In either Bucharest or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Bucharest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

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

The city of Bucharest offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Bucharest or Brussels?

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

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.

Five days in Bucharest or Brussels?

Bucharest 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.

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.

A week in Bucharest or Brussels?

Bucharest 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest and Brussels, 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Brussels?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bucharest or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In July, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Brussels. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Brussels. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Brussels. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Brussels. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.

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

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Bucharest