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

Should you visit Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a park-filled, memorable, and meaningful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Hiroshima travel costs.

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Brussels travel costs.

Hiroshima and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels. Although Hiroshima and Brussels are both popular with visitors, Brussels has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brussels is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hiroshima is known for its museums and attractions. Hiroshima is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. 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 Hiroshima different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima that are not to be missed. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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 Hiroshima or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Hiroshima and Brussels can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Is Hiroshima or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Hiroshima and Brussels.

If you're looking for night time activities Hiroshima has a few options to choose from. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Brussels. 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 Hiroshima or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a great city for its historic old town. However, Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Brussels?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hiroshima is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Is Hiroshima or Brussels Better for Families?

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

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Hiroshima or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is a great city for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Hiroshima or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brussels is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

Is Hiroshima or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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.

Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

The public transit in Hiroshima can get you around easily. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

Is Hiroshima or Brussels a more walkable city?

Hiroshima and Brussels are very good when it comes to walkability.

Hiroshima is very walkable. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas 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 Hiroshima Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Brussels?

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

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

The city of Hiroshima 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.

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hiroshima or Brussels?

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

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Brussels?

Hiroshima 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.

People visit Brussels because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Hiroshima or Brussels?

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hiroshima and Brussels, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Hiroshima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hiroshima is in Asia and Brussels is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hiroshima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima.

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

Which is Bigger, Hiroshima or Brussels?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Brussels. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hiroshima is a little warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, Hiroshima often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Hiroshima gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in July than Brussels. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hiroshima for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hiroshima is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hiroshima in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In October, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Brussels. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Hiroshima during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hiroshima in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Hiroshima can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hiroshima is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 4°C (40°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Hiroshima often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Hiroshima gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hiroshima or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Brussels. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

Hiroshima is a little warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Hiroshima usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Hiroshima gets 193 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Brussels. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Hiroshima