A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brussels vs. Halifax for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Brussels or Halifax?

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 Brussels and Halifax. 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Brussels travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Brussels and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Halifax, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Brussels. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Brussels or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

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

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Halifax has a few options to choose from. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Brussels or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Brussels to see the historical old town. 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.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Halifax?

Brussels is renowned for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in 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.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Brussels or Halifax Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Brussels or Halifax Better for Couples?

Brussels is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Brussels or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Brussels is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Halifax is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Brussels or Halifax Better for Students?

Brussels is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

Brussels is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Brussels or Halifax a more walkable city?

Brussels is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Halifax. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

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

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

The city of Halifax offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Brussels or Halifax?

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

Halifax 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Halifax, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Halifax?

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

Halifax is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Halifax?

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

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Halifax, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Halifax is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels than you might in Halifax.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brussels Expensive? and Is Halifax Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Halifax?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Brussels or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Halifax. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Brussels is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Halifax. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In January, Brussels is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Halifax. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Halifax. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. Brussels is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Halifax. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Brussels