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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Brussels or Vienna for a mini break

44 replies

SirWendellsCloche · 26/02/2023 13:29

Looking for other opinions to try and decide where DH and I can go on a mini break November /December time.

We have narrowed it down to Vienna or Brussels as neither of us have ever been to either city and felt it would be a good time of year to visit both.

Any comments welcome to help me pick!

OP posts:
ScentOfAMemory · 26/02/2023 14:12

Brussels is really interesting - never thought I'd say it but we had a wonderful 3 days there a couple of summers ago.
We're going to Vienna this summer - my first time.
On balance, for the time if year, Vienna will probably be all Christmassy and gorgeous by November - so I'd probably go there.
Brussels is fab though!

Treetopviews · 26/02/2023 14:14

Vienna, used to live in Brussels. It’s far from the best and no where near as good a Vienna,

mafsfan · 26/02/2023 14:26

Definitely not Brussels over Vienna. Lived there for a few years.

Other cities in Belgium - yes.
Brussels - no.

Bobbyelvis4ever · 26/02/2023 14:27

Vienna is lovely and a great place for a few days. I'm not sure you could pay me to revisit Brussels 😂

Merrow · 26/02/2023 14:28

Vienna!

Wiennetta · 26/02/2023 14:47

Vienna. Check when the Christmas markets will open and go once everything is up and running.

whiteroseredrose · 26/02/2023 14:50

I've not been to Vienna but DD loved it.

We enjoyed Brussels but preferred Bruges, if that is an option?

cassiatwenty · 26/02/2023 14:53

Vienna, it's chill and you have heaps of cultural/artsy things to explore if you like. Cosy vibe too

OliveHenry · 26/02/2023 14:58

Of the two I'd choose Vienna.

I had a few days there many years ago (in the 90s), and at that time all the shops in Vienna closed on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. I don't know if that's still the case, but it might be worth checking. (If you're interested in shopping of course!)

AdaColeman · 26/02/2023 15:07

I know both cities well, and though I love Brussels, I think there is more to see and do on a city break in Vienna. Also, Vienna is more culturally different from the UK, so for instance the food is full of exciting discoveries!
Around Christmas time Vienna is beautiful, with gorgeous decorations.

LadyMargaretDevereux · 26/02/2023 15:10

Vienna!

Radiatorvalves · 26/02/2023 15:13

I like Brussels but more as a work city. From recollection it’s pretty expensive. Ghent or Bruges would be my Belgian options. But as other in a Brussels v Vienna decision, I’d go for Vienna.

Anoooshka · 26/02/2023 15:14

Vienna. And make sure you eat some Langos while you're there. I know it's not Austrian, but it's really, really tasty.

Brava · 26/02/2023 15:15

Vienna

Whitney168 · 26/02/2023 15:16

We did Vienna last year for the Christmas markets, and it's great - definitley Vienna.

iamaMused · 26/02/2023 15:45

Vienna.... I've been to both and enjoyed my time in Brussels but Vienna has much more to do and as people have said it will be more Christmassy in November x

Krapfen · 26/02/2023 16:24

Vienna, definitely!

Krapfen · 26/02/2023 16:26

(I’ve lived here for the last 25 years so let me know if you need tips)

cassiatwenty · 26/02/2023 16:59

How are you liking it @Krapfen?

Original poster
SirWendellsCloche · 26/02/2023 17:01

Wow, thank you all for your responses. Seems pretty unanimous that Vienna is the one to go for. Brussels is still on my list but perhaps tie it in with a visit to Bruges.

I shall get planning for Vienna!

OP posts:
JellyBeanFactory · 26/02/2023 17:05

Krapfen · 26/02/2023 16:26

(I’ve lived here for the last 25 years so let me know if you need tips)

Thinking about a long weekend in may/June to Vienna @Krapfen. I definitely want to go to the Spanish Riding School, any tips for going there? And any other "must do" places to visit/eat/watch the world go by from?

America12 · 26/02/2023 17:16

Vienna definitely

TreesAtSea · 26/02/2023 17:19

SirWendellsCloche · 26/02/2023 17:01

Wow, thank you all for your responses. Seems pretty unanimous that Vienna is the one to go for. Brussels is still on my list but perhaps tie it in with a visit to Bruges.

I shall get planning for Vienna!

If you do visit Brussels at some point, do consider a trip to Ghent too. It really is a beautiful city.

TheWeeDonkeyFella · 26/02/2023 19:58

If you do go to Belgium at some point I'd recommend staying in Bruges, you can visit Brussels (and Ghent as suggested above) easily. Bruges gets busy during the day and still enjoyable, but becomes a different place in the evening when the day trippers leave.

Krapfen · 26/02/2023 21:15

JellyBeanFactory · 26/02/2023 17:05

Thinking about a long weekend in may/June to Vienna @Krapfen. I definitely want to go to the Spanish Riding School, any tips for going there? And any other "must do" places to visit/eat/watch the world go by from?

Show quote history

Let me get back to you! Haven’t been to the Spanish riding school but I have friends who have and I think they did have some sort of tip about the best time to go.

Will also put together other things I think are worth seeing/doing. Will you have kids with you? And what are your interests?