Which place is cheaper, Brussels or York?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit York 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.
York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Brussels is a cosmopolitan, authentic, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while York is known for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. York is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Brussels and York. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Both York and Brussels have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.
York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.
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.
York is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.
Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).
York is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.
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.
York 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 York is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.
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.
Brussels is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.
York 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.
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.
With fun activities for couples, both York and Brussels make for a superb place to visit.
York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.
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.
Both York and Brussels are superb destinations for backpackers.
Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.
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.
Brussels is a well-known place for students. However, York 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.
York is not popular with students.
Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.
Brussels is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.
For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.
In either York or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than York because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.
Families should spend more time in York than Brussels. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in York, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than York 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.
The city of York offers food and shopping. 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.
York 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 York, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Brussels is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 multicultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
York is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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.
The cosmopolitan city of Brussels offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Brussels is £117. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for York and Brussels in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in York or Brussels? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
Prices for flights to both Brussels and York change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
When comparing the travel costs between York 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 York Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Brussels. Most visitors come to York for 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.
York is cooler than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, York usually receives less rain than Brussels. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Brussels. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
In the autumn, York is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.
York usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Brussels and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York 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 York in the winter. In January, York is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
York usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, York usually receives less rain than Brussels. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Brussels and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city.
York is cooler than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.
York usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
York | Brussels | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
May | 11°C (53°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Jun | 15°C (58°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Jul | 16°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Dec | 5°C (40°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |