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

Should you visit Linz 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 Linz 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.

Linz

Linz is a historic, beautiful, and cultural town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Linz and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Linz or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Linz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Linz attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Linz is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. 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 Linz different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Linz and Brussels.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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 Linz or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Linz or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Linz or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Brussels?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Is Linz or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Linz is a family-friendly town. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Linz or Brussels Better for Couples?

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

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

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 Linz or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Linz or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a well-known place for students. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Linz has some public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Linz or Brussels a more walkable city?

Linz and Brussels both are very good when exploring on foot.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. 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 Linz Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Linz?

How long in Linz or Brussels?

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

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

The beautiful town of Linz offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Brussels is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Linz or Brussels?

Linz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Linz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Linz or Brussels?

Linz 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 historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Linz or Brussels?

Linz 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 town offers something for everyone.

The colorful city of Brussels offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Linz or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Linz 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 Linz 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 Linz or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Brussels. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Linz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Linz is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 20°C (68°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Linz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Linz usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Linz usually receives more rain than Brussels. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Linz or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Linz as well as Brussels. Many travelers come to Linz 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.

Linz is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Linz averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Linz often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Linz gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Linz or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Linz 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. Linz can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Linz is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Linz in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Linz usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Linz gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Linz usually receives less rain than Brussels. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Linz or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Linz during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Linz for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

In April, Linz is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 11°C (51°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Linz often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Linz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Brussels and Linz