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

Should you visit Graz or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Graz and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Graz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Graz attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Graz is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Graz different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Graz and Brussels.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Graz and Brussels.

Graz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

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).

Is Graz or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Graz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Graz 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 Graz is one of the most recognized in the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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 the Shopping Better in Graz or Brussels?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Brussels draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Is Graz or Brussels Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Graz or Brussels.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Graz is very family-friendly. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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.

Is Graz or Brussels Better for Couples?

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

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Graz or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many 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.

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Graz or Brussels Better for Students?

For students, both Graz and Brussels are superb places to visit.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Brussels is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Graz offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Is Graz or Brussels a more walkable city?

Graz is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Graz on foot is easy. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

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 Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Graz?

How long in Graz or Brussels?

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

Families should spend more time in Graz than Brussels. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Graz, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Graz 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 Graz or Brussels?

The city of Graz offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Brussels is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Graz or Brussels?

Graz 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 Graz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Brussels?

Graz 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 authentic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Graz or Brussels?

Graz is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

The authentic city of Brussels offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Graz and Brussels, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Graz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Graz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Graz 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 Graz.

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

Which is Bigger, Graz or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Graz. When comparing the sizes of Graz 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 Graz 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 Graz or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Graz as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Graz is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 23°C (73°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. In the summer, Graz often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Brussels. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Graz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

Graz is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Graz usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Brussels. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Graz or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Graz during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Graz this time of year. 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 Graz in the winter. In the winter, Graz is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Graz in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Brussels. Many travelers come to Graz for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Graz is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives less rain than Brussels. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Graz