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

Should you visit Helsinki or Brussels?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Brussels can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a coastal, environmentally conscious, and waterfront city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

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

Helsinki and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Helsinki. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. 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 Helsinki different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Helsinki or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Brussels.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Helsinki or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Brussels is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Brussels?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Is Helsinki or Brussels Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Brussels are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Brussels Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Brussels are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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 Helsinki or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or Brussels Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Brussels are very good destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Many students visit 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 Helsinki 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, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Is Helsinki or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Brussels?

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

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

The beautiful city of Helsinki offers food and shopping. 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 with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Brussels?

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

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

Five days in Helsinki or Brussels?

Helsinki 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Brussels?

Helsinki 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.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Brussels. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Helsinki is much colder than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Brussels. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Brussels. Helsinki gets 41 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 Helsinki