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

Should you visit Dover or Brussels?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Brussels can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a stunning, natural, and breathtaking town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Brussels?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brussels than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brussels is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Dover different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Brussels is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Brussels is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Brussels. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Brussels Better for Hiking?

Dover is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Brussels?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is known to be 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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Dover or Brussels Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Brussels are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Brussels makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Dover or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Is Dover or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Brussels is very popular with students. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Dover?

How long in Dover or Brussels?

In either Dover or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Dover because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

The beautiful town of Dover offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Brussels?

Dover is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dover, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Brussels?

Dover 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dover or Brussels?

Dover is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural big city of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Dover and Brussels, we can see that Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Brussels. Many visitors come to Dover in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dover is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dover in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Brussels. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 12°C (54°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Dover because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. The weather in Dover can be very cold. Dover is a little warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Brussels. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dover is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Dover