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

Should you visit Marbella or Brussels?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. 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 colorful, multicultural, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Marbella. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Marbella attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marbella is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. 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 Marbella different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Brussels Better for Music?

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

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Brussels Better for Resorts?

Marbella is renowned for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Marbella for its luxury resorts. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Brussels Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Marbella is renowned for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Marbella offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Brussels?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Marbella and Brussels.

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Marbella or Brussels Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Brussels is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Marbella or Brussels Better for Couples?

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

Marbella is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Brussels is a great resort town 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 Marbella or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Is Marbella or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

Is Marbella 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. However, Marbella is lacking in good options 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 is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Brussels a more walkable city?

Marbella and Brussels are great when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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 Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Brussels?

In either Marbella or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Marbella 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 Marbella or Brussels?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Marbella or Brussels?

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Marbella or Brussels?

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

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Brussels. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Marbella is much warmer than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Brussels. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Marbella for 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 the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In April, Marbella is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Brussels. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Marbella