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

Should you visit Brussels or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg. 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Brussels travel costs.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. Strasbourg is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Strasbourg travel costs.

Brussels and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Strasbourg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Strasbourg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Strasbourg is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Strasbourg is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Brussels and Strasbourg have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. 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.

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

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

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).

Strasbourg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Strasbourg is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Strasbourg?

Brussels is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Strasbourg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg More Beautiful?

Strasbourg is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Strasbourg is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a charming and beautiful city that is filled with gardens, parks, pedestrian streets, and impressive architecture.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg Better for Families?

Brussels is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Brussels and Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Brussels is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg 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, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Public transit in Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Brussels or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Brussels and Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Strasbourg?

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

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, one day is sufficent for most.

The beautiful city of Strasbourg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Strasbourg?

When visiting Brussels, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Strasbourg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Strasbourg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Strasbourg?

Brussels, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg?

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Brussels and Strasbourg, we can see that Strasbourg 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Strasbourg?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Brussels and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Strasbourg in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Strasbourg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Strasbourg. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Strasbourg. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Strasbourg. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Brussels is around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Brussels usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Strasbourg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Strasbourg. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. Brussels can be very cold during winter. In January, Brussels is generally much warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Strasbourg. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Strasbourg in the Spring?

Both Strasbourg and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Strasbourg during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Brussels