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

Should you visit Vienna or Brussels?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. 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 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.

Vienna and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Brussels?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Brussels than Vienna. While Vienna is larger than Brussels, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its big city activities, while Vienna attracts visitors for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Vienna is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. 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 Vienna different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Dining out in Brussels is an experience not to be missed. 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 Vienna or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Brussels.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Brussels Better for Music?

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

Vienna is a world class music destination. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Vienna 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 Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Brussels?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Vienna and Brussels.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Vienna or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Brussels Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Brussels Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Vienna and Brussels.

Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Brussels a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Brussels?

In either Vienna or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Vienna has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Vienna than Brussels. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

One day in Vienna or Brussels?

The beautiful city of Vienna offers museums and nightlife. 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.

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 Vienna or Brussels?

Vienna 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 Vienna, 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 Vienna or Brussels?

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

Vienna is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Brussels?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Vienna during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Brussels. Many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music 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.

Vienna is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Brussels. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Brussels. Most visitors come to Vienna 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. Vienna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Vienna is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Brussels in the Spring?

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

In April, Vienna is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Brussels. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Vienna