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

Should you visit Windsor or Brussels?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a traditional, touristy, and beautiful town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels. Although Windsor and Brussels are popular destinations, Brussels has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brussels is very popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Brussels and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. 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 Windsor different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Windsor and Brussels.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Windsor or Brussels? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Windsor and Brussels.

Windsor has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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 Windsor or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Brussels?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Brussels Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Brussels make for a superb place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Brussels is a great town 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 Windsor or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Brussels a more walkable city?

Windsor and Brussels both are superb when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Brussels?

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

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

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Windsor or Brussels?

Windsor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Windsor, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Brussels?

Windsor 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Brussels?

Windsor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Brussels, we can see that Windsor is more expensive. And not only is Brussels much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor or Brussels?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm 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 July, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Brussels. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Brussels. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor 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. It's quite cold in Windsor in the winter. In the winter, Windsor is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Brussels. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Brussels. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Brussels. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Windsor