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

Should you visit Sapporo or Brussels?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sapporo and Brussels can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sapporo travel costs.

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan 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. See Brussels travel costs.

Sapporo and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Brussels?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Brussels than Sapporo. While Sapporo is larger than Brussels, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sapporo is more popular for its skiing and nightlife. Sapporo is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Sapporo different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Brussels Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is well known for winter skiing. However, Brussels is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Brussels is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Brussels and Sapporo.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Brussels both to be very good destinations.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Sapporo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

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 Sapporo or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

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

Brussels is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Sapporo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Brussels?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Brussels specifically to go shopping. 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.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Sapporo or Brussels Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Brussels are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Brussels is 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 Sapporo or Brussels Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Brussels are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Brussels are very good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Sapporo or Brussels Better for Students?

For students, both Sapporo and Brussels are very good places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Is Sapporo or Brussels a more walkable city?

Sapporo and Brussels are very good when it comes to walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Brussels?

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

Couples should spend more time in Brussels than Sapporo. 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Brussels?

Sapporo 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.

In Brussels, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Sapporo or Brussels?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Brussels, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer.

Five days in Sapporo or Brussels?

Sapporo 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sapporo or Brussels?

Sapporo 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapporo and Brussels, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sapporo is in Asia and Brussels is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Brussels?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Brussels. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sapporo is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sapporo in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, Sapporo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Sapporo gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Sapporo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Brussels. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Sapporo is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 11°C (52°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Sapporo usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Sapporo gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In October, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Brussels. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sapporo or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Sapporo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. Sapporo is much colder than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around -5°C (24°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Sapporo often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Sapporo gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. Sapporo usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Brussels. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Sapporo is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sapporo in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Sapporo usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Brussels. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Sapporo