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

Should you visit Manchester 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 Manchester and Brussels can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Manchester, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Manchester is known for its nightlife and music. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Manchester different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or Brussels.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Manchester or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Manchester and Brussels offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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).

Is Manchester or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Manchester is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or Brussels Better for Music?

Manchester is well known for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Brussels?

Brussels is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Manchester or Brussels Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Brussels.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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.

Is Manchester or Brussels Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Brussels are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Manchester or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Manchester or Brussels Better for Students?

For students, both Manchester and Brussels are high quality places to visit.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Manchester or Brussels Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Is Manchester or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Brussels?

In either Manchester or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Manchester because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

Manchester 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Brussels, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Brussels?

Manchester 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Manchester, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the big city destination of Brussels, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Brussels?

Manchester 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Brussels?

Manchester 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 city offers something for everyone.

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Manchester and Brussels, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Brussels in the Summer?

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

Manchester is cooler than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Brussels in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Manchester is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Brussels. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Manchester can be very cold. In January, Manchester is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Brussels. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Brussels in the Spring?

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

Manchester is cooler than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives less rain than Brussels. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Manchester