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

Should you visit Gothenburg or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg 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: Gothenburg or Brussels?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Gothenburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $147. 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 Gothenburg and Brussels in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Brussels $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Brussels $156
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Brussels

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Brussels Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Brussels $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $120
  • Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $153
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

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


  • Subway Pass
    $4.82
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    $8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • VIP Transfer between Brussels Airport (BRU) and Antwerp: $246
  • 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
  • Transfer Chauffeur Limousines Services: $128
  • Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $164
  • 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: $502
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Brussels?

Prices for flights to both Brussels and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $38
    Brussels $41

Typical Food Prices in Brussels

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


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    $4.93
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    $5.09
  • Cheese
    $6.00
  • Olives and Snacks
    $7.48
  • Waffle
    $3.21

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: $137
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $163

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $15
    Brussels $25

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $20
    Brussels $14

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11
  • Beer
    $6.43

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 Gothenburg and Brussels, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gothenburg Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Gothenburg during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Brussels 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Brussels. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In October, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Brussels. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Brussels 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Brussels. Also, 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 Gothenburg in the winter. Gothenburg is much colder than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

Gothenburg usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Brussels 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Gothenburg 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, Gothenburg is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Gothenburg usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Brussels. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Brussels 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Brussels and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Brussels
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)