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

Should you visit Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a under-rated, diverse, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of 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 multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Warsaw and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Brussels?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Brussels than Warsaw. While Warsaw is larger than Brussels, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is more popular for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Warsaw is known for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Brussels is more touristy than Warsaw and is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Warsaw is popular for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Warsaw different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Warsaw or Brussels.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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 Warsaw or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Warsaw or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Warsaw is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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 Warsaw or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Both Warsaw and Brussels have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Warsaw is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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 Warsaw or Brussels?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Warsaw is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Is Warsaw or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is a great city for romance. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Warsaw makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Is Warsaw or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Warsaw. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Is Warsaw or Brussels Better for Students?

For students, both Warsaw and Brussels are very good places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Many students visit 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.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

The public transit in Warsaw can get you around easily. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

Is Warsaw or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is a great city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known 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.

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Brussels?

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

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

The beautiful city of Warsaw offers food and shopping. 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.

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 Warsaw or Brussels?

Warsaw 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 Warsaw, 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 Warsaw or Brussels?

Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Brussels?

Warsaw 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 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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Brussels?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Brussels. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Warsaw is around the same temperature as Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Warsaw this time of the year. In the summer, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping 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.

In the autumn, Warsaw is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Warsaw in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Brussels. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Warsaw or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Warsaw during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Warsaw can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Warsaw is generally much colder than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around -3°C (27°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Brussels. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

Warsaw is cooler than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Brussels. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Warsaw