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

Should you visit Sendai or Brussels?

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

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

Sendai

Sendai is a high energy, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Sendai travel costs.

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. See Brussels travel costs.

Sendai and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Sendai and Brussels are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sendai attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Sendai is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. 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 Sendai different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Sendai and Brussels.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Sendai or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai 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 Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Sendai or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Sendai is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

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 Sendai or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a good destination for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Sendai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Sendai or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Sendai does not have a historic 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.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Brussels?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Brussels draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Sendai or Brussels Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sendai is very family-friendly. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

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 Sendai or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Sendai is a good city for couples to visit. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Sendai or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai 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.

Sendai is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

Is Sendai or Brussels Better for Students?

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

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Sendai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Is Sendai or Brussels a more walkable city?

Sendai and Brussels are great when it comes to walkability.

Sendai is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

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 Sendai Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Brussels?

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

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

The city of Sendai offers food and shopping. 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 Sendai or Brussels?

Sendai 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 Sendai, 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 Sendai or Brussels?

Sendai 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 Sendai or Brussels?

Sendai 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 cosmopolitan 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Brussels?

Sendai has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Sendai 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 Sendai 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 Sendai or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Sendai during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sendai is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 23°C (73°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets more rain in July than Brussels. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Brussels. Many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Sendai is a little warmer than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Sendai usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sendai usually receives more rain than Brussels. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sendai or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, 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. Sendai can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sendai is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sendai in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Sendai often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Sendai usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Brussels in the Spring?

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

In April, Sendai is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 10°C (51°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Sendai usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sendai usually receives more rain than Brussels. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Sendai