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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a cultural, historic, and beautiful island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Brussels

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

Palma de Mallorca and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Palma de Mallorca, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca is known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. 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 Palma de Mallorca different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Brussels offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Palma de Mallorca. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is renowned for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Brussels are both great destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Brussels are both great destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Brussels is a great island 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

In either Palma de Mallorca or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Brussels has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Brussels than Palma de Mallorca. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca 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.

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palma de Mallorca, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

Palma de Mallorca 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 island offers something for everyone.

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca and Brussels, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Brussels?

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

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

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Brussels in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Brussels. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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 January, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Brussels in the Spring?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Brussels. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 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 Palma de Mallorca