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

Should you visit Odense or Brussels?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Odense and Brussels. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Odense

Odense is a European, progressive, and beautiful city. It's also known for nightlife and food. See Odense travel costs.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Brussels travel costs.

Odense and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Odense or Brussels?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Odense. Brussels is bigger than Odense, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Odense is more popular for its nightlife. Brussels is more touristy than Odense and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Odense is well known for

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Odense different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is notable for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Brussels is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Brussels is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Odense or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Odense is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.

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 Odense or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Odense does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Odense does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Brussels?

Brussels is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or Brussels Better for Families?

Both Odense and Brussels are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Odense is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Odense or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is notable for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Odense or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is notable for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Odense or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is notable for students. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

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

Brussels is terrific for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Brussels can take you anywhere. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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.

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Odense?

How long in Odense or Brussels?

In either Odense or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Odense because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Odense, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

The city of Odense offers food and nightlife. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Odense or Brussels?

Odense 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 Odense, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Odense or Brussels?

Odense 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.

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 Odense or Brussels?

Odense 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural 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 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Odense and Brussels, we can see that Odense is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Odense or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Odense. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.