A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Brussels for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit London or Brussels?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between London and Brussels can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Brussels?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Brussels. London is bigger than Brussels, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Brussels is more popular for its historical sights. London is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

Big Ben

How is London different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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 London that are not to be missed. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Brussels Better for Theater?

London is renowned for theatre. However, Brussels is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Brussels is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Brussels.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. 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 London or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

London is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

London is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Brussels Better for Music?

London is renowned for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is London or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Brussels?

If you're looking to go shopping, London and Brussels both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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.

Is London or Brussels Better for Christmas?

London is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Brussels does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, London is not to be missed. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Brussels does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Brussels Better for Christmas Markets?

London is renowned for its Christmas markets. However, Brussels does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to London specifically to enjoy its famous Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Brussels does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Brussels Better for Families?

London is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, London is very family-friendly. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Brussels Better for Couples?

London is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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.

Is London or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

London is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Brussels Better for Students?

London is renowned for students. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

London is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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.

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

London and Brussels both offer first-rate public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Is London or Brussels a more walkable city?

London is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around London on foot is easy. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or London?

How long in London or Brussels?

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

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

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

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

One day in London or Brussels?

London is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Brussels?

London is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Brussels?

London is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, 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. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Brussels?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Brussels. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, London or Brussels?

London has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to London as well as Brussels. Many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, London is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and London are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, London is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Brussels. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and London during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. The weather in London can be very cold. London is a little warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, London often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Brussels. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city.

In the spring, London is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

London usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Brussels. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and London