A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Brussels for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Phuket or Brussels?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Brussels, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a activity-filled, energetic, and party-hard resort island. Phuket is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Phuket travel costs.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brussels travel costs.

Phuket and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Phuket. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Phuket attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Phuket different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have 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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Phuket and Brussels can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Phuket. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

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).

Is Phuket or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is renowned for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Phuket is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

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 Phuket or Brussels Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Phuket for its luxury resorts. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Brussels is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Brussels Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket 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 Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Brussels Better for Beaches?

Phuket is renowned for its beaches. However, Brussels is not a beach destination.

Phuket offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Phuket or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Brussels is a great destination for its old town. However, Phuket 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.

Phuket does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Brussels?

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Phuket has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

Is Phuket or Brussels More Beautiful?

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

Phuket is a gorgeous place to visit. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Phuket or Brussels Better for Families?

Brussels is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Phuket offers lots of family activities. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Is Phuket or Brussels Better for Couples?

Phuket and Brussels are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Brussels is a great resort island if you're traveling as 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.

Is Phuket or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Phuket is a good resort island to visit for backpackers. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. While it gets its share of backpackers, many visitors complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Is Phuket or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a great destination for students. However, Phuket 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.

Phuket is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Brussels is top-notch. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

While Phuket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

Is Phuket or Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Brussels?

In either Phuket or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Phuket than Brussels because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

Families should spend more time in Brussels than Phuket. 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 Phuket. 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 Phuket 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 Phuket or Brussels?

The resort island of Phuket 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.

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Phuket or Brussels?

Phuket 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.

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Phuket or Brussels?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Phuket or Brussels?

Phuket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phuket has to offer. This resort island offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Brussels. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Brussels?

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

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

Should I visit Phuket or Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Phuket is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Brussels. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Phuket or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Phuket during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Phuket is much warmer than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Brussels. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Brussels. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Phuket is the dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Brussels. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In April, Phuket is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Brussels. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Phuket