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

Should you visit Granada or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Granada, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Granada is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Granada is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Granada different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Granada that are not to be missed. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Granada or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Brussels. 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Granada is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Granada is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Granada is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Granada is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is Granada or Brussels Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Brussels?

Brussels is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Brussels. 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Brussels Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Brussels make for a superb place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Granada or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Brussels are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Granada or Brussels Better for Students?

Both Granada and Brussels are superb destinations for students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Brussels a more walkable city?

Granada and Brussels are superb when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Brussels is a very walkable city. 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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Granada?

How long in Granada or Brussels?

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

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Granada. 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 Granada than Brussels. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Granada that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Brussels 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Brussels?

The beautiful city of Granada offers food and shopping. 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.

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 Granada or Brussels?

Granada 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Granada, 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 Granada or Brussels?

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Granada or Brussels?

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Granada is a little warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Brussels. The autumn months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In the autumn, Granada is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Brussels. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Granada as well as Brussels. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.

Granada is much warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Brussels. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Granada