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

Should you visit York or Brussels?

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

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

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

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.

York and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in York or Brussels?

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).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)
La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is York different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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.

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

York
Brussels

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.


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

York
Brussels

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).

Is York or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

York
Brussels

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.

Is York or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

York
Brussels

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.


Is the Shopping Better in York or Brussels?

York
Brussels

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.

Is York or Brussels Better for Families?

York
Brussels

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.

Is York or Brussels Better for Couples?

York
Brussels

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.


Is York or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Brussels

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.

Is York or Brussels Better for Students?

York
Brussels

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.

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

York
Brussels

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.


Is York or Brussels a more walkable city?

York
Brussels

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?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or York?

How long in York or Brussels?

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.


  • How many days in York or Brussels? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Brussels 1-5

One day in York or 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.

A weekend in York or Brussels?

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.


Five days in York or Brussels?

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.

A week in York or Brussels?

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.


Which place is cheaper, Brussels or York?

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.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Brussels £62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Brussels £124
Compare Hotels in York and Brussels

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.

Hotels in York


Hotels in Brussels


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: York Hotel Prices and Brussels Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Brussels £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $164
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $274

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    £3.85
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    £6.84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • Airport Transfer to/from Lille City Center: $16
  • Brussels to Brussels Airport (BRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • VIP Transfer between City/ Airport and Ghent: $42
  • Shuttle Transfer Brussels Gare du Midi <-> Ghent (1 to 8 PLACES): $59
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Ghent (1 to 8 PLACES): $59
  • Airport Arrivals Private Transfer to the City: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer Brusels to Brusels Train Station by Luxury Car or Van: $68
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Mons (1 to 8 PLACES): $71
  • Departure Private Transfer from Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Business Car: $74
  • Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $76
  • Private Departure Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport by luxury van: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into York or 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    York £32
    Brussels £33
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Typical Food Prices in Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    £3.93
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    £4.06
  • Cheese
    £4.79
  • Olives and Snacks
    £5.97
  • Waffle
    £2.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $30
  • Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $60
  • Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local: $90
  • Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $107
  • Secret Food Tours Brussels: $112
  • The 10 Tastings of Brussels With Locals: PRIVATE Food Tour (B-Corp certified): $159
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $165
  • Brussels Private Custom Food Tour with a Local Foodie : $194

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Brussels £20

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • Europe’s Most Haunted City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of York: $5.99
  • York Guide - Everybody Hates a Tourist: $6.40
  • Tower Tour: $7.70
  • Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • York from York Minister to Stonegate Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.97
  • Private York Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York: $13
  • Dark Chronicles Ghostly Gruesome tour - York: $13
  • Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour & Best of York Award 2024: $13
  • York Witches and History Walking Tour: $15
  • The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of Experience of the Year 2024: $15
  • Women Witches Warriors Adult Storytelling Walking Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.30
  • Essential Brussels Tour: $3.30
  • Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.30
  • The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels: $3.30
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
  • 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.46
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.06
  • Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.60
  • Brussels’ Noble Beginnings: An Upper Town Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Brussels £11
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Historical Pub Walking Tour in York : $7.69
  • Guided Historic Pub Tour (York): $25
  • Hooting Owl - York Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting: $26
  • Leeds: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $48

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    £8.55
  • Beer
    £5.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $18
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18


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?.


Which is Bigger, York or Brussels?

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.


When is the best time to visit York 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 York or Brussels in the Summer?

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Brussels 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit York or Brussels in the Autumn?

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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Brussels 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit York or Brussels in the Winter?

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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Brussels 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit York or Brussels in the Spring?

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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Brussels 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Brussels and York

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)