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

Should you visit Istanbul or Brussels?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Brussels, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a beautiful, high-energy, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Brussels, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Brussels is known for its shopping. Istanbul is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Istanbul different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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).

Is Istanbul or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Istanbul is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu 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 Istanbul or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area 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 Istanbul or Brussels?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Istanbul is well-known for its shopping. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Is Istanbul or Brussels Better for Families?

Istanbul and Brussels are both great destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Brussels is very family-friendly. 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 Istanbul or Brussels Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Brussels are both great to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Brussels makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Istanbul or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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.

Is Istanbul or Brussels Better for Students?

Istanbul and Brussels are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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.

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

Both Istanbul and Brussels offer world-class public transit options.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Is Istanbul or Brussels a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Brussels both are great when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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 Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Brussels?

In either Istanbul or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Brussels because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

One day in Istanbul or Brussels?

Istanbul is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

The city of Brussels offers food and shopping. 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 Istanbul or Brussels?

Istanbul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 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 Istanbul or Brussels?

Istanbul is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Istanbul, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Istanbul or Brussels?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. 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 Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Brussels?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Brussels?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Istanbul or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Brussels. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Brussels. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Brussels. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Brussels. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Brussels. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Istanbul