Belgium is a fantastic place to visit. It’s small, easy to get around, and packed with history, art, and chocolate. However, it can also be expensive if you’re not careful. But don’t worry—you can easily enjoy Belgium on a budget with the right tips. Let’s dive in.
How to Save Money on Accommodation
If you’re sticking to a budget, accommodation will likely take up a big part of it. Hotels in big cities like Brussels and Bruges can get pricey, but there are plenty of budget options.
Stay in Hostels
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Hostels are one of your best bets for saving on accommodation. You can find dorm beds in hostels for around €20–35 a night. A few decent hostels include:
- Meininger Hotel Brussels City Center: Great for budget travelers looking for a hostel with a lively social scene.
- Snuffel Hostel in Bruges: Super cozy, clean, and affordable.
- HI De Draecke Hostel in Ghent: A good central location and friendly staff.
Try Couchsurfing
If you’re really looking to save, Couchsurfing is a fantastic option. You can stay with locals for free, which not only saves you money but also gives you a chance to meet locals and get insider tips.
Consider Airbnb
If hostels aren’t your thing, Airbnb can offer some affordable alternatives. Renting a room in someone’s apartment or house can be cheaper than a hotel. You can find places for as low as €25-€50 per night.
Camping Is an Option Too
If you love the outdoors, consider staying at a campsite. There are quite a few campsites in Belgium, and they are often cheaper than even hostels. Prices range from €10-€20 per night.
How to Save Money on Food
Belgium is known for its waffles, fries, and fine dining, but eating out every meal will quickly burn through your cash if you’re traveling on a budget. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy the food scene without spending a fortune.
Eat at Street Food Stands
Belgium is the land of street food, and it’s delicious! You can grab a famous Belgian waffle for €2-€4. Fries (or “frites”) with mayo or other tasty sauces will cost you around €3-€5. Street food can fill you up without breaking the bank.
Visit Local Markets
If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, hit up the local markets. You can get fresh produce, bread, and cheese at pretty low prices. Markets like Place Flagey in Brussels have cheap, fresh food.
Take Advantage of Supermarkets
Another option is buying food from supermarkets. Stores like Carrefour, Delhaize, and Aldi are budget-friendly, especially if you’re eating on the go. You can easily get snacks, sandwiches, or even pre-made salads for under €10.
Try the Lunch Menus
If you want to try the local restaurants, look out for lunch specials. Many restaurants offer set lunch menus for around €10-€15. It’s a great way to try local dishes without paying dinner prices.
Saving Money on Transportation
Belgium is such a small country, and it’s easy to get from one city to another in just a couple of hours. However, transportation can add up if you don’t plan wisely. Here’s how to keep it budget-friendly.
Get a Rail Pass
If you’re planning to travel between cities, getting a Belgium Rail Pass is a great way to save. It costs €87 and allows you to make 10 trips over a month. You can split it with people—making it even cheaper. Without the pass, tickets between cities can cost upwards of €15-€20 each way.
Use the Buses
Buses are a cheaper alternative to trains, particularly FlixBus, which offers long-distance routes between Belgian cities and neighboring countries. Prices often start as low as €5 if you book early.
Rent a Bike
Belgium is bike-friendly, and many cities have bike rental schemes. Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp are easy to explore by bicycle, and rentals are typically around €8-€12 per day. Plus, biking is a great way to see the sights without spending money on public transport.
Walk as Much as You Can
Belgian cities like Bruges and Ghent are very walkable. Exploring on foot will not only save you money but allow you to take in all the charming streets, canals, and buildings at your own pace.
How to Save Money on Attractions
Belgium has many stunning attractions, but entrance fees can add up. However, there are plenty of ways to save on sightseeing without missing the highlights.
Visit Free Museums
Many museums in Belgium offer free entry on the first Wednesday of the month. Places like the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels participate in this. Plan your visit accordingly to take advantage of these days.
Explore Public Parks
Belgium’s cities are home to beautiful parks that are completely free to visit. Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels or Citadel Park in Ghent are lovely spots to relax and enjoy the outdoors without spending a cent.
Opt for Free Walking Tours
Many cities offer free walking tours where you pay only what you think the tour was worth as a tip. Check out Sandemans New Europe tours in Brussels or Legends Tours in Bruges. It’s an incredible way to learn about the history and culture without breaking your budget.
Get a City Card
If you’re planning to visit several attractions, look into getting a city card. Many cities in Belgium offer cards that grant you free or discounted entry to attractions. For example, the Brussels Card gives you free entry to over 30 museums for 24 hours and costs €27. It could save you a lot if you’re hitting several places in one day.
Budget-Friendly Destinations in Belgium
While Brussels and Bruges are the most famous cities in Belgium, there are some great alternative destinations that offer plenty to see and do without the higher prices.
Ghent
Ghent is often overlooked in favor of Bruges, but it’s just as charming and less crowded. It’s perfect for budget travelers, with cheaper accommodation, food, and attractions. Don’t miss the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, which both cost just €8 to visit.
Antwerp
As Belgium’s second-largest city, Antwerp is a lively port town with affordable food, cultural sights, and cheap train connections. The MAS Museum is a must-visit and costs just €10.
Leuven
Leuven is a vibrant university town with loads of history, beautiful old buildings, and cheap eats. Grab lunch at a student café for under €10, and you won’t be disappointed.
Other Budget-Friendly Tips for Belgium
Water Is Free at Drinking Fountains
Belgium has free potable water fountains scattered around cities, particularly at parks and landmarks. Don’t waste money on bottled water; carry a reusable bottle and fill it up as needed.
Travel Off-Peak
Accommodation, flights, and train tickets are always more expensive during the summer (July and August) and holiday seasons. Try to visit in the shoulder seasons like late spring or early fall, where prices drop but the weather is still pleasant.
Book Attractions in Advance
Booking tickets for popular attractions or tours ahead of time can often save you a few euros. Plus, many museums have online discounts.
Final Thoughts
Belgium doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning, you can enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer without hurting your wallet. Whether it’s staying in hostels, wandering the charming streets, or grabbing cheap street food, you can have a fulfilling experience without overspending.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an affordable adventure in Belgium!
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