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

Should you visit Wellington or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Wellington or Brussels? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Brussels

Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful 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.

Wellington and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Wellington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Wellington attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. 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 Wellington different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Both Wellington and Brussels offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington or Brussels Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Wellington for it's beautiful beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a very popular place for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Brussels Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Wellington offers some nice hiking trails. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Brussels?

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

Known for shopping, Brussels draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Wellington or Brussels Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wellington or Brussels.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Brussels is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Wellington or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Brussels makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington and Brussels are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Wellington or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Wellington or Brussels a more walkable city?

Wellington and Brussels are superb when it comes to walkability.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

Brussels is a very walkable destination. 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 Wellington Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Brussels?

In either Wellington or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Wellington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Wellington, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

The city of Wellington offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Wellington or Brussels?

Wellington 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wellington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wellington or Brussels?

Wellington 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.

Brussels, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wellington or Brussels?

Wellington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Brussels?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Wellington during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Wellington. In the summer, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Brusselsin July. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets less rain in January than Brusselsin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Brussels. The autumn months attract visitors to Wellington because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

Wellington is a little warmer than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Wellington usually receives more rain than Brusselsin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wellington or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Brussels. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. In the winter, Wellington is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wellington in July average around 10°C (49°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F)in January.

In the winter, Wellington often gets more sunshine than Brusselsin January. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Wellington usually gets more rain in July than Brusselsin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Wellington usually receives more rain than Brusselsin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Wellington