A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belgium vs. Switzerland for Families, Museums & Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Belgium or Switzerland?

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

Should I visit Belgium or Switzerland? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which country 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.

We'll start with a quick overview, and below we will go into all of the details.

Belgium

Belgium is a tranquil, diverse, and quaint country. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the history and culture, nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belgium is a smaller but diverse nation with a long history, lots of attractions, and a mix of cultures. As it's at a crossroads in Europe, visitors can see influences from the native Belgian and Flemish people as well as from nearby France, Germany, and Holland. Historic and world-class cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent offer amazing cuisine, historic art and architecture, and fun activities for all types of travelers. Smaller cities such as Bruges, Liege, and Leuven let you delve into history in their historic old towns with cathedrals, charming cafes, art galleries, and carriage tours. And as a smaller country, it's easy to get around to see everything on the trains in just a few hours at the most between destinations.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a adventurous, beautiful, and mountainous country. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the adventure travel, national parks, history and culture, and skiing.

In the heart of Europe, this mountainous nation is full of culture and beautiful scenery. The Alps are great to explore any time of the year, as are the world-class and cultural cities of Switzerland. This country is the perfect combination of history, art, outdoor adventure, and nature, and that's why so many visitors come every year.

Belgium and Switzerland: Pros and Cons

How is Belgium different from Switzerland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Below we will examine the differences and similarities between Belgium and Switzerland. With this information, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belgium or Switzerland?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Belgium and Switzerland.

Belgium offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. From art to history to culture, you'll find something for everyone. Some of the most popular art museums include The Magritte Museum in Brussels, François Duesberg Museum in Mons, and the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK) in Ghent. But it's not all about art, as visitors also love the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in Antwerp which focuses on the city's history as a maritime port. Also, science lovers should check out the Euro Space Center and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. For interesting history lessons, visit the Gallo-Roman Museum, Dossin Casern, and the In Flanders Fields museum.

Many visitors head to Switzerland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Multiple cities offer plenty of opportunities to explore museums. Basel, for example, is known as the city of museums because it offers so many from art to culture to toys to science. Bern, Geneva, Zurich, and Lucerne also have museums of all types, whether they showcase art, history, technology, or culture. There's a museum for everyone here.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Culture, Arts, and History?

You'll find great culture, arts, and history when visiting both Belgium and Switzerland.

Belgium is an extremely popular destination for those that want to visit historical and cultural sights and attractions, as it offers plenty. Although it's a smaller country, the history and culture here is packed into its cities and small towns. You'll find museums that focus on art, history, science, and more in many of the cities and town. For example, visit the Grand Palace in Brussels, the Castle of the Counts in Ghent, or the grand cathedrals of Antwerp. Large castles dot the countryside, many with grand views such as the one in Bouillon. Theaters are everywhere, too, so you can take in a play, opera, or the ballet in addition to enjoying the cafe culture and the unique cuisine.

See also 14 Free Things to do in Brussels.

Switzerland has many famous historic and cultural sights and attractions worth visiting, and is one of the main reasons why poeple come here. The cities here have a culture and history all of their own. With museums, castles, restaurants, cafes, and beautiful architecture, the Swiss cities offer plenty of historical and cultural activities. Even the countryside provides opportunities to understand the idyllic and mountainous lifestyle of the region.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Big City Activities?

Belgium and Switzerland are similar when it comes to the great big city activities.

Belgium has some large cities, so you'll find plenty of things to do when visiting. Brussels and Antwerp are both popular destinations for visitors because of the large number of attractions and activities. In both of these cities you'll find a wide array of hotels, restaurants, historical sites, museums, and activities for every type of traveler. In Brussels, tour the Grand Palace, climb the Atomium, and go shopping at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. In Antwerp, after admiring the historic railway station, check out the Meir area for some shopping and chocolates, the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp, and the windows of the Diamond District.

Because of the large cities in Switzerland, visitors will find many sights and attractions. The major cities here are very nice to visit and offer plenty of sights and attractions. Lucerne, for example, sits on a lake and offers restaurants, nightlife, museums, and history around every corner. Other major cities include Basel (the city of museums), Bern, Geneva, and Interlaken. Each has their own vibe, but all offer something interesting for guests.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Small Towns and Villages?

Switzerland is considered to have more smaller towns and villages than Belgium.

Because Switzerland offers so many small towns with a variety of charming activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Small towns with a charming atmosphere and stunning views are what Switzerland is all about. In the Alps, visitors will find no shortage of gorgeous mountainside villages with traditional Swiss architecture, mountain vistas, and plenty of surrounding activities. For example, check out Murren or Lauterbrunnen near Interlaken, or Stein am Rhein, or Zermatt. And in the winter they are just as beautiful as in the summer.

As Belgium is a destination with many small towns and villages, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Some of the more popular small towns to visit draw large crowds to see the old cathedrals, local markets, narrow canals, historic homes, and delicious local cuisine. Bruges is one of the most popular towns for travelers because it has several gorgeous cathedrals, scenic canals, museums, and terrific restaurants all packed into a small walkable area. Other popular smaller towns include Spa, where you'll find relaxing hot springs; Bouillon, home of a beautiful castle; Durbuy, with its winding narrow streets; Dinant, with cliffs above a scenic river; and Rochefort, famous for its beer from the historic monastery. But dozens more small towns are dotted around the countryside, and if you have the time, are worth visiting.

Is the Food Better in Belgium or Switzerland? Which Country Has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Switzerland a bit more than Belgium.

Switzerland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Of course, you can't visit without tasting the fondue. But Swiss food goes beyond cheese, as you'll also find great steaks, fresh fruits and vegetables, and an influx of German, French, and Italian cuisine at local restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Belgium area. While Belgium is famous for waffles, beer, and chocolate, plenty of other traditional dishes should be on your list as well. Furthermore, as a modern and diverse nation, you can find cuisine from all over the world in the big cities such as Brussels and Antwerp. World-class chefs have started terrific restaurants serving a wide variety of dishes. But if you're after some traditional fare, try the mussels (moules), fries with garlic-mayo, Flemish stew, or Croquettes, and Vol-au-vent.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Nightlife?

Most visitors prefer the nightlife in Belgium.

Many people head to Belgium for the nightlife scene. As the largest city, Brussels not only draws the biggest crowds in the evenings, but has also earned itself a reputation as a party-oriented city at night. With dozens of nightclubs offering every type of music, to the vibrant bar and pub scene, as well as the theater and fine dining offerings, Brussels has an active scene for both locals and visitors alike. Some of the best spots in Brussels include Madame Moustache, the Music Village, Fuse, and Spirito. Antwerp also offers its share of nightlife. Dozens of bars and clubs come alive at night here also. Ghent, Bruges, and other tourist destinations also offer plenty of bars and theaters, although the nightlife scene is not as active later in the night.

Ghent: With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Switzerland. Some of the major cities offer bars, clubs, restaurants, and theatres for those looking to go out at night. Geneva, Basel, Bern, and Lucerne are all fairly active in the evenings.

Is the Shopping Better in Belgium or Switzerland?

Belgium is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Belgium. Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and other major cities offer plenty of trendy shops, fashionable boutiques, art galleries, and chocolate shops. Also, you can't miss all of the diamond stores in Antwerp. Even if you're not buying, it's fun to peruse the window displays. In Brussels, make sure to visit the Royal Saint Hubert Galleries not just for the shops, but also for the architecture and history of the building. Another nice indoor spot is Passage du Nord, and Boulevard de Waterloo has plenty of upscale shops. In Antwerp, the diamond shops are located not far from the historic train station, while more of the clothing boutiques are found in De Modewijk, the fashion quarter of the city.

Brussels: 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.

Antwerp: The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Many visitors go to Switzerland to go shopping. The larger cities of Geneva, Lucerne, Bern, and Basel are popular with shoppers looking to find the latest fashion trends or local arts and crafts.

Zurich: 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.

Geneva: Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Christmas?

The Christmas season is more busy in Switzerland than Belgium.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Switzerland. Christmas here is very popular, and the alpine setting makes it magical. Many cities and towns will decorate their churches and town squares with Christmas trees and other decorations, and many also have markets, festivals, theatre shows, and more.

Many visitors go to Belgium during the Christmas season. The large public squares of Brussels, Antwerp, and other historical cities raise large Christmas trees and decorate their town centers with lights and decorations. Many towns have festivals and parades, especially during the arrival of Sinterklaas or Pere Noel (depending on the region). Also, many small towns and big cities host Christmas markets with food, drinks, gifts, crafts, ice skating, and more. Brussels has a Winter Wonderland Christmas Market where the buildings are illuminated. Other touristy towns such as Bruges host special events with entire sections of town covered in lights and special market shops.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Hiking?

Switzerland provides a better hiking experience than Belgium.

People visit Switzerland specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. All across the country, visitors will find hiking trails of all skill levels. Some are very easy, such as those that leave from alpine villages and meander through farmland. Others are only for experts, like the edge-of-the-cliff trails high up in the peaks. Most are somewhere in the middle and suitable for most hikers, and offer stunning views of the Alps along with the occasional stop at a mountainside café.

Zermatt: There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Interlaken: Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Grindelwald: Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

While not known for its hiking, Belgium has a few options. Many hiking trails are within easy reach of nearby cities and towns, making them accessible. Many are also easy hikes since Belgium has a fairly low elevation. Some of the best areas to hike include Deux Ourthes Natural Park, Southern Ardennes Natural Park, or Eifel Natural Park.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for its National Parks?

Switzerland often provides a better experience visiting national parks than Belgium.

Exploring the beautiful national parks is a popular activity in Switzerland. With 19 national parks, this country offers a diverse set of natural areas to explore away from crowds and development. As this is the Alps, many of these national parks are in mountainous alpine settings, and they offer great views, hiking, and an accessibility to nature that is hard to find in many other countries. Some are rugged, while others are pastoral, and a few are also agricultural (with vineyards).

Belgium has some national parks and wilderness areas for those that seek them out. With only two national parks and 10 other large natural protected areas, most visitors don't come here to see the wilderness. But a variety of beautiful scenery can still be found in this small country. Hiking trails and camping spots providing opportunities to see the rivers, hills, and native birds of the region. They make for a good escape from the cities if you're looking for somewhere nearby to get into nature.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Outdoor Activities?

Overall, Switzerland is considered to offer more outdoor activities and attractions to visitors.

With world-famous outdoor activities, Switzerland attracts many visitors interested in natural scenery, exploration, and adventure. As a country totally immersed in the mountains, the outdoors are the main attraction here. Visitors can explore the Alps on foot, or by horseback, or on skis. Ropes courses and zip lines are found throughout the nation, as are camping and rock climbing. Fishing and boating are common in the rivers and lakes, too. It's easy to get out of the cities and into the mountains, and this accessibility makes the outdoors that much more fun here.

Belgium does have some outdoor activities to explore. Wildlife areas and parks are very accessible to the larger cities and towns, many by public transit. So, if you're looking to get out of the urban areas, these parks are a good option. Hiking trails, boating, swimming, and other fun activities are found all over the country. And while the country is smaller than many others, it still has scenic outdoor spots such as the West Coast (Westkust) cycling route from De Panne or the Zwin walking route in Knokke-Heist, or the Eifel Nature Park.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for a Road Trip?

Generally Switzerland is better for road trips, as it offers more possibilities.

Switzerland is a very popular destination for those that love to take road trips. A drive through the Alps is an amazing experience. It's hard to find anywhere else where you are surrounded by beautiful mountains while also exploring historic villages, pastoral farmlands, and world-famous cities.

Belgium is generally not the best destination for road trips, but it has a few options. To see some of the small towns in the countryside, taking a road trip might be a good option. Since the distances between cities and towns are not large, driving can be quite quick between destinations. The roads are great, and having your own car means that you can see some of the small and quaint places that are not as easy to reach by train or bus. Don't miss some of the castles (such as in Bouillon, or the monasteries that produce beer such as the one in Rochefort. Keep in mind that visiting the big cities with a car is generally not recommended since parking is limited.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Switzerland than Belgium.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Switzerland is a very family-friendly destination. With cultural cities, gorgeous mountains, outdoor activities, mountain resorts, and terrific food, it's no surprise that this country is very family friendly. The small towns in the Alps offer a mix of relaxing and adventurous things to do such as hiking, exploring playgrounds, admiring views, and visiting farms. It's easy to get around almost anywhere in the country with public transit, too.

Interlaken: While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

See also Hostels in Geneva for Solo Travellers, Couples, and Families, Hostels in Lucerne for Backpackers, Couples, and Families, and Hostels in Lausanne for Backpackers, Families, and Couples.

Belgium is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. From fairy-tale cities such as Bruges to the large cathedrals filled with lights, and from the horse-drawn carriage rides and playgrounds to the old Castle of the Counts in Ghent, kids will be very entertained here. After all, this is the country of waffles and chocolate, and the adults can have a Belgian beer on the side, too. Many of the cities are also bike-friendly, which adds to the fun if you want to take a tour on two wheels. Or hop on a boat tour as Ghent, Bruges, and many others have canals and rivers with scenic views, too. And Brussels offers the Pixel Museum which is all about gaming and technology, as well as a puppet theater and various other art and history museums. You can also get into the outdoors to visit hiking trails and national parks, as well as interesting caves. And any kids interested in military history should visit Waterloo as well as the trenches of Ypres

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Couples?

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Switzerland than Belgium.

Switzerland is a great country if you're traveling as a couple. Gorgeous mountain views are just the beginning, as Switzerland also offers the chance to relax in a cozy mountain chalet up in the Alps after a day of hiking or adventure sports. Here, couples can truly experience a wide variety of activities, whether they are athletic, historical, or cultural. The charming hotels, natural beauty, and delicious food just add to the already amazing experiences.

Zermatt: Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Interlaken: The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Murren: This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

See also Hostels in Geneva for Solo Travellers, Couples, and Families, Hostels in Lucerne for Backpackers, Couples, and Families, and Hostels in Bern for Backpackers, Solo Travelers, and Couples.

Belgium is a good country for couples to visit. While it might not be the first place that couples think of, the big cities such as Brussels and Antwerp offer plenty of charming and romantic activities. Furthermore, many of the castles and chateaus in the countryside have been turned into luxury hotels, so you can experience history and luxury together. Hikes from some of the small villages to nearby castles are common any time of the year, especially in the spring and fall. And whether you're in a small town or one of the big cities, you'll find chocolate, waffles, and beer all over, not to mention plenty of other gourmet food options for that romantic evening out on the town. Theaters are also common, so take in a show or a concert after dinner.

See also Hostels for Solo Travellers, Couples, & Groups in Bruges, and Hostels for Solo Travellers, Female Travellers, & Couples in Brussels.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Belgium and Switzerland are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Belgium. Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and other major tourist destinations might not be the most budget-friendly places, but plenty of hostels and low-cost accommodations can be found in and around the cities. Furthermore, food at most restaurants is reasonably priced, especially if you avoid the touristy areas and the higher-end establishments. In generally, there's plenty of activities which are free or low in price. And younger travelers tend to enjoy Belgium's vibrant nightlife and bar scene, which is especially popular in Brussels as well as Antwerp, Ghent, and elsewhere. Transportation is also cheap and readily available.

See also Brussels Hotels & Hostels Near Grand Place, Hostels for Large Groups and Parties in Brussels, and Hostels for Solo Travellers, Couples, & Groups in Bruges.

Switzerland is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Plenty of hostels and outdoor activities can be found throughout the country, allowing budget travelers to explore the cities and mountains on their own. However, since Switzerland is a fairly expensive country, this tends to keep budget travelers away. Plenty of visitors come for outdoor backpacking and camping in the wild, though, as the scenery is top notch.

See also Hostels for Backpackers in Zurich, Switzerland's Best Budget Hostels, and Interlaken Hotels & Hostels Near the Train Station (Interlaken West).

Is Belgium or Switzerland Better for Students?

For students, both Belgium and Switzerland are great places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Belgium. With major universities attracting students from all over the world, along with an active nightlife and bar scene, as well as affordable travel options, this country is a pretty good place for students. You'll find hostels, affordable food, fun cafes, and cheap activities in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and other cities. The largest university areas are found in Brussels, Leuven, Liege, Ghent, and Antwerp, so you might want to focus on these areas if you're visiting or are interested in studying abroad.

Ghent: The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

See also Hostels for Backpackers and Students in Belgium.

Switzerland is a good country to visit for students. A variety of study abroad and student programs can be found around the country, most notable in the larger cities of Lucerne, Bern, and Basel.

Zurich: The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

See also Hostels in Switzerland for Backpackers and Students.

Is Belgium or Switzerland Easier for Transportation? Which is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Belgium and Switzerland both offer transportation to get you around.

Belgium has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the country. The combination of the national train system, city trams and buses, great roads, and a good network of bike paths makes this one of the easiest countries to get around. Belgium is fairly small as a country, so the major cities and towns are not too far apart. The trains run frequently and efficiently, as do the local city trams and buses. Roads are well built for those that want to drive, too.

Is it easy to travel around Belgium?

• Traveling by train is extremely popular.
• It's fairly easy to travel by bus.
• It's possible to travel with an organized tour.
• It's possible to travel by car.
• Travel by airplane is possible.

With a huge network, the transit system in Switzerland can get you around easily. The Swiss rail system is fast, efficient, and comfortable. It's very easy to get around between the major cities and small towns, and also easy to reach the peaks of mountains and higher-up towns, too. Major cities and even smaller areas all have some form of public transit. In the mountain areas, this often takes the form of gondolas and old cog-railways up to higher elevations, making travel part of the fun.

Is it easy to travel around Switzerland?

• Traveling by train is extremely popular.
• It's possible to travel by bus.
• It's fairly easy to travel by car.
• Travel by airplane is possible.

Is Belgium or Switzerland more Comfortable for a Trip?

Both Belgium and Switzerland can feel quite modern and comfortable as they both have an established tourist infrastructure.

People often come to Belgium because it is such a comfortable and luxurious destination. Modern European comforts and luxuries are found everywhere here, so whether you're traveling to the cities or the countryside, you can expect modern conveniences. The larger cities have the most variation in price ranges for accommodations and restaurants, but at any price range you can expect modern facilities and quality service. Transportation is efficient and safe, and a large network of infrastructure for both locals and tourists alike can be found everywhere. The food is also excellent, clean, and safe no matter where you visit in Belgium. So, whether your a family looking for comfortable places for the kids, a couple on a romantic break, or a younger backpacker on a tight budget, everyone can expect to travel around efficiently and in comfort.

Switzerland is extremely comfortable for travelers as it is a modern destination with plenty of amenities. Despite the rugged terrain of the Alps, the overall travel infrastructure of this country is second to none. Swift, clean, and efficient public transit is everywhere, and sometimes it will even take you all the way to the top of the mountain peak. Small towns in the Alps are connected to all of the major cities. Hotels are often high-end and provide plenty of comforts, even those at the lower price points. Resort areas are common, too. The cities are modern with enjoyable amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and museums - and the clean public transit can take you around town.

Is Belgium or Switzerland more Touristy?

Switzerland generally has a more touristy vibe than Belgium.

Plenty of tourists come to Switzerland every year, as it's a popular destination. This country is a travelers dream, but its not undiscovered. Plenty of visitors come to this fairly small European nation every year to admire the beauty of its mountains and explore the culture of its cities. During peak travel times (summer and the winter ski season), it can be hard to find a hotel unless you book ahead. You'll find plenty of other visitors when you arrive, especially in the major cities and at top tier attractions such as Jungfrau peak.

Belgium is fairly touristy, with a decent number of visitors coming each year. Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Liege are the most popular destinations for visitors. They each see fairly large numbers of travelers, especially in the summer months. However, the cities themselves are large enough so that any particular area isn't overcrowded and the cities are easily manageable. Bruges is an especially popular place to visit, as this smaller city offers many attractions, so it can feel much more touristy than other places. Also, specific areas of each city are popular, such as the Castle of Counts in Ghent which sometimes has a long queue to enter. Other popular attractions include the Grand Palace in Brussels, the Belfry in Ghent, Bouillon Castle, and Waterloo. It's common to experience crowds at these locations and other popular spots, but again, it's usually manageable.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Zurich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Zurich.

Should I spend more time in Switzerland or Belgium?

How long in Belgium or Switzerland?

Belgium and Switzerland both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Switzerland than Belgium because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Belgium, and 5-14 days is enough time in Switzerland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Switzerland than Belgium 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 Switzerland.

A weekend in Belgium or Switzerland?

Visitors enjoy the food, shopping, and museums when visiting the historic destination of Belgium. This destination offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Switzerland, you'll find history and culture, skiing, and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting national parks can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Belgium or Switzerland?

Visitors enjoy the shopping, museums, and theater when visiting the diverse country of Belgium. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Switzerland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Switzerland has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belgium or Switzerland?

Visitors enjoy the museums, theater, and history and culture when visiting the destination of Belgium. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this country.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Switzerland. In Switzerland, you'll find nightlife, food, and hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Two weeks in Belgium or Switzerland?

Many people enjoy the museums, theater, and history and culture when visiting Belgium. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Two weeks may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Switzerland. In Switzerland, you'll find nightlife, food, and hiking. Many travelers plan to spend time at the national parks on their trip. Two weeks is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Switzerland has to offer.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belgium and Switzerland, we can see that Switzerland is more expensive. And not only is Belgium much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belgium would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belgium 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 Switzerland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Switzerland than you might in Belgium.

When is the best time to visit Belgium or Switzerland?

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 Belgian climate in northern Europe experiences four seasons with cooler summers and cold wet winters. While the temperatures are often cold in the winter, it only snows periodically near the coast. And because the summers are not too hot, the weather is very pleasant during this popular time to visit.

Because Switzerland is a mountainous nation and in the heart of Europe, you can expect cold, snowy winters here. But the summers can be warm, sunny, and pleasant. These warmer months are a great time to come for hiking and outdoor activities, as is the fall.

Should I visit Belgium or Switzerland in the Summer?

Both Switzerland and Belgium are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Belgium for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Switzerland because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brussels is cooler than Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Bern averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Bern. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Bern during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Bern. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belgium or Switzerland in the Autumn?

Both Switzerland and Belgium during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Belgium because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Switzerland this time of year.

In October, Brussels is generally around the same temperature as Bern. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 12°C (54°F), and Bern fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Bern. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in October than Bern. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belgium or Switzerland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belgium and Switzerland. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Belgium this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Switzerland for the skiing, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bern. It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. Brussels is a little warmer than Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Bern during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Bern. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belgium or Switzerland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belgium as well as Switzerland. Many travelers come to Belgium for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Switzerland in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Brussels is cooler than Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Bern averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Bern. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bern. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bern and Brussels