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

Should you visit Zurich or Brussels?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Brussels. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Zurich. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its big city activities, while Zurich attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. 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 Zurich different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Zurich and Brussels.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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.

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

Both Zurich and Brussels offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Brussels has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Zurich or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Brussels Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for live music. However, Brussels is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Brussels is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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 Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Brussels?

Both Zurich and Brussels are terrific shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Many people travel to Brussels specifically to go shopping. 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.

Is Zurich or Brussels Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Brussels are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brussels. 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 Zurich or Brussels Better for Couples?

Zurich and Brussels both excellent destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Brussels Better for Students?

Zurich is renowned for students. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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.

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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 Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Zurich or Brussels a more walkable city?

Zurich and Brussels both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Brussels?

In either Zurich or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Zurich has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Zurich than Brussels. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

Families should spend more time in Zurich than Brussels. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zurich, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Brussels. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zurich that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Zurich 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 Zurich or Brussels?

The beautiful city of Zurich offers museums and nightlife. 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 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 Zurich or Brussels?

Zurich 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 Zurich, 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 Zurich or Brussels?

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zurich, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Zurich or Brussels?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Brussels, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Brussels?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Brussels. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Brussels. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Brussels. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Brussels. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In the winter, Zurich is around the same temperature as Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Brussels. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Brussels. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Zurich