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

Should you visit Tenerife or Brussels?

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

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

Tenerife

Tenerife is a volcanic, scenic, and vibrant island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Tenerife and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels. Although Tenerife and Brussels are both popular with visitors, Brussels has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brussels is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tenerife is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. 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 Tenerife different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Tenerife is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or Brussels Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is well known for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Tenerife to choose from. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Brussels Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Tenerife for it's beautiful beaches. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Brussels Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Tenerife is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Brussels?

Brussels is very popular for shopping. Also, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Is Tenerife or Brussels Better for Families?

Tenerife 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, Tenerife is very family-friendly. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or Brussels Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Brussels are both great to visit as a couple.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Tenerife or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Brussels is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

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

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Brussels?

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

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

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

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Brussels?

Tenerife 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.

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

Five days in Tenerife or Brussels?

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

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

A week in Tenerife or Brussels?

Tenerife 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 Tenerife has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Brussels in the Summer?

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

Tenerife is a little warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the summer, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Brussels. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the autumn for the hiking trails, 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 the autumn, Tenerife is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tenerife in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Brussels. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Tenerife for 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. In January, Tenerife is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 17°C (63°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Brussels in the Spring?

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

Tenerife is much warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Brussels. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Tenerife