Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Brussels?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra 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.
Where Should I go: Coimbra or Brussels?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Brussels €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Brussels is €137. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Coimbra and Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Brussels €73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Brussels €146
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Brussels? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Brussels €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $156
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass€4.50
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Atomium train ticket (2)€8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- VIP Transfer between Brussels Airport (BRU) and Antwerp: $245
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels HTL-APT(BRU): $81
- Transfer to Brussels National Airport: $58
- Transfer Shuttle Leuven <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
- Private Transfers Between Brussels Airport and the City: $107
- Private Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $86
- Private Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam: $500
- Private Transfer from Brussels hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $143
- Private Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport(BRU): $44
- Private Transfer from Brussels City Hotels to IJmuiden Port: $142
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport or city to Charleroi By Luxury car: $88
- Private Transfer from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Zeebrugge Port: $143
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels and Coimbra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCoimbra €48Brussels €38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons€4.60
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)€4.75
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Cheese€5.60
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Olives and Snacks€6.98
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Waffle€3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $29
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $136
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $162
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Brussels €23
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.20
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.20
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.43
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights: $6.99
- Tomar: Unveiling the Templar Order with a Self-Guided Tour: $7.59
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.68
- Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
- Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket: $16
- Convent of Christ Tour "Portugal in the Map" - Visit Tomar with a local guide!: $30
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Brussels Walking Tour with Waffle Tasting: History and Delights: $23
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
- Christmas Gems of Brussels - Walking Tour: $261
- 2-Hour Brussels Guided Walking Tour: $15
- 4 Hour Private Tour in Brussels : $273
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99
- A day in the life of Brussels - Private tour with a local: $147
- Antwerp Sightseeing Tour from Brussels : $48
- Architecture Tour of Brussels: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Brussels €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $174
- Full-Day Private Bairrada Sparkling Wine Tour from Coimbra: $178
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine€10
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Beer€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Brussels, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels than you might in Coimbra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coimbra Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Brussels?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Brussels?
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 Coimbra or Brussels in the Summer?
Both Brussels and Coimbra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Coimbra is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coimbra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Coimbra. In the summer, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.
Coimbra usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Brussels in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Brussels. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
In October, Coimbra is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 18°C (65°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Brussels. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Brussels in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Brussels. Additionally, many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. Coimbra is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.
Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Coimbra usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Brussels in the Spring?
Both Brussels and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Coimbra is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coimbra in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Brussels. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.