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

Should you visit Glasgow or Brussels?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Brussels, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a historic, high energy, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Brussels?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Glasgow. Brussels is bigger than Glasgow, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife and music. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. 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 Glasgow different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Brussels and Glasgow.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Brussels is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Brussels has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Glasgow is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Brussels Better for Music?

Glasgow is renowned for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is a world class music destination. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. 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.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Brussels?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Brussels specifically to go shopping. 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.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Glasgow or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brussels. 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.

Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Glasgow or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Glasgow or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brussels. 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.

Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Glasgow or Brussels Better for Students?

For students, both Glasgow and Brussels are great places to visit.

Glasgow is a great city to visit as a student. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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 in Glasgow is fairly effecient and thorough. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Is Glasgow or Brussels a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Brussels are great when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Brussels?

In either Glasgow or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Glasgow because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

The city of Glasgow offers museums and nightlife. 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.

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 Glasgow or Brussels?

Glasgow 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 Glasgow, 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 Glasgow or Brussels?

Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Brussels?

Glasgow 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours 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 Glasgow and Brussels, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Glasgow. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Brussels. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Brussels. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Glasgow is generally cooler than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Brussels. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. Glasgow is around the same temperature as Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Brussels. The spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In the spring, Glasgow is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Brussels. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Glasgow