A Travel Price Comparison for Belgium Leuven vs. Brussels for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Leuven or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Leuven 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.

Where Should I go: Leuven or Brussels?

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.

Which city is cheaper, Brussels or Leuven?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €142, while the average daily cost in Brussels is €109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Leuven and Brussels in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven €74
    Brussels €58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven €148
    Brussels €116
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Brussels

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Brussels? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Leuven


Hotels in Brussels


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Leuven Hotel Prices and Brussels Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven €49
    Brussels €13

Typical Local Transportation prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    €4.50
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    €8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • Airport Transfer Charleroi To Bruges: $411
  • Airport Transfer Charleroi To Brussels: $179
  • Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $85
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $522
  • Brussels Airport Departure Transfer (Brussels Hotels to Brussels Airport): $81
  • Brussels Airport Transfers : Brussels City to Airport BRU in Business Car: $79
  • Brussels Airport Transfers : Brussels to Airport BRU in Luxury Van: $79
  • Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $60
  • Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $60
  • Brussels Departure Private Transfers from Brussels City to Brussels Airport BRU: $83
  • Brussels Departure Private Transfers from Brussels City to Brussels Airport BRU: $87
  • Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Airport (BRU): $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Brussels?

Prices for flights to both Brussels and Leuven change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Leuven €39
    Brussels €31

Typical Food prices in Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    €4.60
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    €4.75
  • Cheese
    €5.60
  • Olives and Snacks
    €6.98
  • Waffle
    €3.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.

  • Classic Belgian cooking class and lunch: $79
  • Your Private Tailored Belgian Food Tour with a Local: $93
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $112
  • Cooking Lesson and Gourmet Belgian-Inspired Meal with a Local in Brussels: $115
  • Private Brussels Food Tour (walking lunch or dinner): $373

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven €18
    Brussels €18

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Leuven walking city tour: $7.46
  • Superleuke gegidste Biketour Leuven: $30
  • From Brussels: Medieval Leuven Walking Tour: $43
  • The best of Leuven walking tour: $498
  • Romantic tour in Leuven: $498

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Brussels Autoworld Museum Entrance Ticket: $15
  • Pick Up from your Hotel in Brussels to Departure point Brussels City Tours: $22
  • Beer Tour: $27
  • Brussels 2.5-Hour Belgian Beer Tasting Experience: $29
  • Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour: $34
  • Private Tour with a Local: $40
  • Kanal and Molenbeek Runnning Tour: $44
  • Running Tour of the Historical Center: $44
  • The Best Of Brussels Walking Tour: $54
  • Belgian Chocolate Tasting Tour: $62
  • Private Tour w/ Locals – Highlights & Hidden Gems: $66
  • Artistic Bruges on a Private Tour with a local: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven €20
    Brussels €10

Typical Alcohol prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    €10
  • Beer
    €6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Brussels Pub Crawl: $14

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Brussels, we can see that Leuven 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Brussels.


When is the best time to visit Leuven 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 Leuven or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Temperatures in Leuven average around 18°C (65°F), and Brussels stays around 18°C (65°F).

Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Brussels 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

Leuven is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The temperature in Leuven is usually 12°C (54°F) in October, and Brussels stays around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Brussels 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Brussels. 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 Leuven in the winter. In the winter, Leuven is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leuven in January are around 3°C (38°F), and Brussels is about 3°C (38°F).

Leuven usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Brussels 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Brussels. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Temperatures in Leuven average around 10°C (49°F), and Brussels stays around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Brussels. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Brussels 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Brussels and Leuven

Leuven Brussels
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)


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Leuven vs. Brussels Travel Comparison

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