A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inner Hebrides vs. Brussels for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Inner Hebrides 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.

Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is a peaceful, tranquil, and stunning islands. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Inner Hebrides and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels. Although Inner Hebrides and Brussels are both popular with visitors, Brussels has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brussels is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Inner Hebrides is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Brussels is more touristy than Inner Hebrides and is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Inner Hebrides is popular for its rugged landscape, beautiful coastline, and local whisky.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Inner Hebrides different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

Brussels is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides. It wasn't long ago that there was a limited selection of restaurants on the islands, but these days you shouldn't have much trouble finding some Scottish classics. The area continues to grow its restaurant scene, which highlights regional ingredients and the local whisky distilleries.

Is Inner Hebrides or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a popular place for nightlife. However, Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Inner Hebrides or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Inner Hebrides is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Inner Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. The islands offer a truly unexpected sight, with white sand beaches and blue waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Calgary Beach on the Isle of Mull, Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, and Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Inner Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Inner Hebrides or Brussels Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Inner Hebrides. To fully experience the area's natural beauty, you really should go on a few hikes. The hikes are varied in landscape, length, and skill level. Some of the favorites include Beinn an Òir, Coire Dubh, and Ben More.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides. Beaches, wildlife spotting, and boat tours all make for a fun adventure for the whole family. These islands offer a unique and truly rewarding experience that is fun for everyone.

Is Inner Hebrides or Brussels Better for Couples?

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

Inner Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who want to move at a slower pace and soak up natural beauty will appreciate these islands. There are sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular views that offer both romance and a little adventure.

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 Inner Hebrides or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Inner Hebrides is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The islands have some campsites that let you fully enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Inner Hebrides or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Inner Hebrides is not popular with students.

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Inner Hebrides is not popular with students.

Is Inner Hebrides 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. However, Inner Hebrides is lacking in good options 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Inner Hebrides. Ferries and some local buses are available. It's also possible to find there-and-back day cruises to the islands.

Is Inner Hebrides or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Inner Hebrides?

How long in Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

In either Inner Hebrides or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Brussels has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Brussels than Inner Hebrides. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Inner Hebrides, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Inner Hebrides. 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 Inner Hebrides. 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 Inner Hebrides 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 Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

The beautiful islands of Inner Hebrides offers food. 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

Inner Hebrides is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

Inner Hebrides is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Inner Hebrides, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Inner Hebrides or Brussels?

Inner Hebrides is a great place to explore. 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 islands offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Brussels. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inner Hebrides and Brussels, we can see that Inner Hebrides is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Inner Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inner Hebrides than you might in Brussels.

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