A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Brussels for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Coimbra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €138, while the average daily cost in Brussels is €165. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Brussels 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Brussels 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.

Hotels in Coimbra


Hotels in Brussels


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Brussels 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: $159
  • Fatima Private Transfers to Multiple Destinations: $159
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova: $295
  • Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent: $271
  • Private transfer from/to Fátima - Porto, Braga or Guimarães: $211
  • Private transfer from/to Fatima - Porto, Coimbra or Aveiro: $271
  • Private transfer in Coimbra City: $94
  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $170
  • Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $157

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    4.50
  • 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: $268
  • Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport(BRU): $47
  • Transfer Chauffeur Limousines Services: $140
  • Transfer Brussels Midi Station Bruges (1 - 8 PL): $94
  • Shuttle transfer Brussels Lille (1 to 8 PLACES): $119
  • Private transfer on arrival from Brussels Airport to Ghent by luxury car: $206
  • Private transfer from Brussels to Ostend, 2h Sightseeing Stop: $259
  • Private transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Antwerp: $300
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport To Brussels: $129
  • Private transfer From Charleroi airport to Bruges by luxury car: $187
  • Private Transfers Between Brussels Airport and the City: $116
  • Private Transfer from/to Brussels Zaventem Airport: $116

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Coimbra 83
    Brussels 66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner: $64
  • Bairrada Food Tour: $115

Typical Food Prices in Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    4.60
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    4.75
  • Cheese
    5.60
  • Olives and Snacks
    6.98
  • 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: $33
  • Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $46
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Brussels Food Tour: Main Dish, Beer, Waffle & Chocolate: $93
  • Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local: $99
  • Walking Food Tour with Chocolate, Beer, & Waffles: $111
  • Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $112
  • Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $127
  • Food Tour of 10 Tastings - Waffles, Beers & More: $147
  • Brussels Private Food Tour: Waffles, Fries, Beer & Local History: $152
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $183

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Brussels 23

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.52
  • Leiria Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.67
  • Tomar Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.67
  • Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town: $5.00
  • Coimbra Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.30
  • Highlights Walking Tour With a Certified Guide: $5.82
  • Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: $5.89
  • TOP Coimbra : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $5.89
  • Kings, Scholars and Rebels Self Guided Tour of Coimbra: $6.30
  • Coimbra Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h25 and 25 Audio Comments: $6.95
  • Coimbra’s Timeless Tracks: An Enchanting Train Tour: $8.73
  • Pilgrims and Pioneers: A Self-Guided Tour Audio of Tomar: $9.99

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "From Waterloo Battlefield History Private Tour: $500
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Fall and Rise of Art Nouveau: $18
  • 3-Hours Private Sightseeing Trip in Brussels: $241
  • A Belgian Town's Curious History: Diest Walking Tour: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $15
  • A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $12
  • A day in the life of Brussels - Private tour with a local: $159
  • Architecture Tour of Brussels: $29
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $20
  • Battle of the Bulge & Gen Patton Private Tour from Brussels: $1,454
  • Belgian Beer World Experience and GoPhoto ticket included: $31
  • Belgian Beer World Experience: Beer Tasting + Rooftop Beer: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Brussels 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites: $31
  • Coimbra Food and Wine Tasting Private Guided Walk: $41

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    10
  • Beer
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • BBQ Experience with Burger & Beer in a Brewery: $15
  • Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $18
  • Immersive Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings - Brussels Area: $18
  • Rodenbach Brewery Tour - Roeselare: $21
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $23
  • micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
  • micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
  • Discovery of the La Senne Brewery: $31
  • Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $53
  • Sip the Unexpected at a Hidden Leuven Brewery: $59
  • Beer Pong in a Micro Brewery and Distillery: $76
  • Beer Pong Session at a Micro Brewery & Distillery: $76


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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 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)