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

Should you visit Delft or Brussels?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Delft and Brussels can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Delft

Delft is a charming, historic, and quaint town. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Delft travel costs.

Brussels

Brussels is a multicultural, historic, and cosmopolitan 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.

Delft and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Delft or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Delft, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Delft is popular for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery. 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 Delft different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

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

Brussels is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Delft 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 Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Delft or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Brussels is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Brussels. 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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Delft or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Both Delft and Brussels have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Delft is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Delft or Brussels?

Brussels is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Delft 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.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Delft or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Delft 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 Delft. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Delft or Brussels Better for Couples?

Brussels is a very popular place for romance. Also, Delft 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.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Delft or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options 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.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Delft or Brussels Better for Students?

Both Delft and Brussels are very good destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Delft. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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

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

Brussels is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Delft has some very good public transit options. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Is Delft or Brussels a more walkable city?

Delft is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Delft on foot is easy. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

Brussels is a very walkable town. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Delft?

How long in Delft or Brussels?

In either Delft or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1 day is a good amount of time for Delft, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

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

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

The town of Delft offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Delft or Brussels?

Delft is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Delft or Brussels?

Delft 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.

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Delft or Brussels?

Delft 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 town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Brussels. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Delft and Brussels, 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. 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 Delft Expensive? and Is Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Delft or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Delft and Brussels, 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 Delft or Brussels?

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 Delft or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Delft during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Delft this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Delft is around the same temperature as Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Delft averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Delft. In the summer, Delft often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Delft gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Brussels. Delft gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Delft or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Delft and Brussels. Many travelers come to Delft for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Delft is cooler than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Delft in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Delft usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Delft gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Delft usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brussels. Delft gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Delft or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Delft as well as Brussels. Many visitors come to Delft in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Delft can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Delft is generally much colder than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Delft average around 2°C (36°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Delft often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Delft gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Brussels. Delft gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Delft or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Delft are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

Delft is cooler than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Delft averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Delft usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels during spring. Delft gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Delft usually receives less rain than Brussels. Delft gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Delft