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

Should you visit Sydney or Brussels?

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

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

Sydney

Sydney is a energetic, outdoorsy, and adventurous city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sydney and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Brussels?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Brussels. Sydney is bigger than Brussels, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Brussels is more popular for its historical sights. Sydney is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Sydney different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Sydney that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Sydney or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Brussels can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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 Sydney or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Brussels Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Sydney is renowned for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Sydney offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Brussels Better for Hiking?

Sydney is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Brussels?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Brussels and Sydney.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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.

Is Sydney or Brussels Better for Families?

Sydney 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, Sydney is very family-friendly. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Brussels Better for Couples?

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

Sydney is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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.

Is Sydney or Brussels Better for Students?

Sydney is renowned for students. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Sydney is a very popular place to visit for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Sydney 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 Sydney and Brussels.

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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

Is Sydney or Brussels a more walkable city?

Sydney and Brussels both are great when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Brussels?

In either Sydney or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than Brussels because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Brussels 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Brussels?

Sydney is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sydney or Brussels?

Sydney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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 Sydney or Brussels?

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Sydney or Brussels?

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Brussels, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 Brussels would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brussels 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney than you might in Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Brussels?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Brussels?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Brussels has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sydney is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sydney in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. In January, Sydney usually receives more rain than Brusselsin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Sydney during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Sydney is generally much warmer than Brusselsin October. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Brusselsin October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in April than Brusselsin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Brussels. Most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Sydney is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F)in January.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives less rain than Brusselsin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Brussels. The spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In the spring, Sydney is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sydney in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the spring, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Brusselsin April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than Brusselsin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Sydney