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

Should you visit Brussels or Puerto Viejo?

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 Viejo. 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Brussels travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a mellow, authentic, and laid back town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Puerto Viejo is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Brussels and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brussels than Puerto Viejo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brussels is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Viejo is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. 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). Puerto Viejo is well known for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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 Viejo offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There aren't any real museums in the area, but there are a couple of art galleries.

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

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Puerto Viejo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

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

Puerto Viejo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a laid back town during the day and at night there's a chill but lively atmosphere. You'll find a few bars and clubs that have live music, and it's not hard to find something interesting to do.

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 Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Viejo is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Puerto Viejo. You'll find the best snorkeling in Cahuita National Park, where you'll see coral and colorful fish. There's a dive shop in town as well, but most people enjoy the snorkeling in the area more.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Puerto Viejo for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches in the area are beautiful and offer great waves for surfing and patches of coral reef for snorkeling. Many of the beaches are lined with forest and have a more laid back and less developed atmosphere than the beaches on the Pacific side.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Viejo 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 Viejo does not have a historic old town.

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Puerto Viejo offers some nice hiking trails. The hike through nearby Cahuita National Park is a highlight for many visitors. It wanders along the coastline and takes about three hours to walk. You'll likely see some wildlife during your walk.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Puerto Viejo?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for shopping. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Puerto Viejo is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Puerto Viejo is a gorgeous place to visit. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Both Brussels and Puerto Viejo 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 Viejo is very family-friendly. With its easy access to Cahuita National Park and many wildlife experiences, this is a great destination for the kids. Kids can see sloths and monkeys, or enjoy snorkeling and hanging out on a chill beach.

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Brussels and Puerto Viejo 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 Viejo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, which has a more laid back and less touristy atmosphere. While you won't find the larger resorts and tourist amenities in this area, couples who enjoy hiking and a local vibe will love their time here.

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

Brussels and Puerto Viejo 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 Viejo. There's a local atmosphere and enough hostels and budget accommodation to keep backpackers happy. It's also easy to explore and makes the perfect place to chill out for a few days.

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo Better for Students?

Brussels is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Puerto Viejo 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 Viejo is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Viejo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Is Brussels or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Brussels and Puerto Viejo 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 Viejo is a very walkable city. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Puerto Viejo?

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

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Puerto Viejo. 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 Puerto Viejo. 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 Puerto Viejo 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 Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

The town of Puerto Viejo offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Viejo?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Puerto Viejo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Puerto Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo?

Brussels is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Puerto Viejo 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 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Brussels and Puerto Viejo, 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. Even though Brussels is in Europe and Puerto Viejo is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Viejo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Brussels or Puerto Viejo?

Brussels has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Puerto Viejo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Puerto Viejo. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the summer, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season.

Should I visit Brussels or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Brussels is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Puerto Viejo is September to October. The rainy season in Puerto Viejo is November to January.

Should I visit Brussels or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Brussels or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Puerto Viejo. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Brussels is generally much colder than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Brussels usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Brussels