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

Should you visit Cardiff or Brussels?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Cardiff or Brussels? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming 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 nightlife, shopping, and museums.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cardiff attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. 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 Cardiff different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Brussels is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options 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).

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Brussels has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

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 Cardiff or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Brussels?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Cardiff or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options 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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Brussels?

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

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Brussels?

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

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cardiff or Brussels?

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

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer.

Five days in Cardiff or Brussels?

Cardiff 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.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cardiff or Brussels?

Cardiff 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Brussels in the Summer?

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

In July, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Brussels. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Brussels. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Brussels. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. In the winter, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Brussels. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Brussels. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Cardiff