A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brussels vs. Puerto Vallarta for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Brussels or Puerto Vallarta?

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 Puerto Vallarta. 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 authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Brussels travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Brussels and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Puerto Vallarta?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Puerto Vallarta. Brussels is bigger than Puerto Vallarta, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta?

Brussels is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Brussels and Puerto Vallarta.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Puerto Vallarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

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 Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Brussels is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Puerto Vallarta. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful beaches. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Puerto Vallarta?

Brussels is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Puerto Vallarta are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Puerto Vallarta is very family-friendly. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Brussels and Puerto Vallarta both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Puerto Vallarta are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Many backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta Better for Students?

Brussels is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Brussels is very popular with students. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Puerto Vallarta has some public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Is Brussels or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Brussels and Puerto Vallarta both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable city. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Brussels or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Brussels has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Brussels than Puerto Vallarta. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brussels than Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta?

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Puerto Vallarta?

Brussels is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Puerto Vallarta?

Brussels is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Puerto Vallarta, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Brussels is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brussels is in Europe and Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Puerto Vallarta?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Puerto Vallarta, 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.