A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Brussels for Old Town, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stockholm 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 Stockholm 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.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stockholm than Brussels. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stockholm is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Brussels attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Stockholm is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also well known for Gamla Stan (the old town). Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Stockholm and Brussels.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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 Stockholm or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Stockholm or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

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 Stockholm or Brussels Better for Music?

Stockholm is renowned for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Stockholm is a world class music destination. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Stockholm is one of the most recognized in the world. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Brussels?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Is Stockholm or Brussels Better for Families?

Stockholm is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Stockholm is very family-friendly. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Brussels is very family-friendly. 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 Stockholm or Brussels Better for Couples?

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

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

Brussels is a great city 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 Stockholm or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a great city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Is Stockholm or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Stockholm and Brussels.

Stockholm has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

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

Is Stockholm or Brussels a more walkable city?

Stockholm is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Stockholm on foot is easy. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

Brussels is a very walkable city. 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 Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Brussels?

In either Stockholm or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than Brussels because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Brussels. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stockholm, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

Stockholm is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Brussels. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Brussels?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Brussels?

Stockholm is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stockholm, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic city of Brussels. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Stockholm or Brussels?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Brussels is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Brussels?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm 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 Stockholm or Brussels?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Stockholm or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stockholm is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 18°C (64°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stockholm. Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Stockholm is much colder than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Brussels. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Stockholm can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Stockholm is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stockholm in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Brussels. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

In April, Stockholm is generally much colder than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 5°C (41°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Stockholm