You can easily see Brussels on a backpacker budget and visiting Brussels should be on every backpacker’s must-see list. You’ll experience far more than just indulging in the finest beer, fries, waffles, and chocolate in the world. Belgium’s capital city is gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s can’t miss destinations, offering a small-town charm with cosmopolitan attractions to boot.
Known for politics, history, architecture, and cuisine, Brussels is truly an international city with over 1.2 million residents and three official languages (French, Dutch, and German). Brussels is a cultural melting pot you’ll be happy to fit into your travels.
With a central location in the heart of Europe, it’s easily accessible by air or high-speed rail from neighboring countries. We found our way via FlixBus on a 3-hour ride from Amsterdam, costing less than $12 USD. Brussels has a plethora of things to keep you busy so whether it be a quick stopover or extended stay, however, you find your way, you’ll be glad you made it to the “Crossroads of Europe”.
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Where to Stay in Brussels
Brussels is an easy city to navigate on foot and has a solid transit system so it won’t be hard to find your way around town. If you want to save a bit on lodging, aside from staying in the Brussels-City center, surrounding neighborhoods like Schaerbeek, or Saint-Gilles are a good place to start. Upon our first 48 hours in the city, we stayed at the Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel in the city center where prices are 28-30 euros ($32-$34 USD) for a bed in a 6-bed mixed dorm at the moment.
For the remaining 2 days of our stay, we experienced the city like locals and linked up with a hometown friend, Jon, an American ex-pat living in Brussels with his wife Tina, who worked for the EU. Couchsurfing is another way to dive into an authentic local experience and Couchsurfing.com is an incredible community that will give you the gift of new friends all around the world for life. We’ve met some incredible people both hosting travelers back in the U.S., and by staying with hosts during our travels. This will also help anyone traveling to Brussels on a backpacker budget immensely.
Though Brussels is a major business hub of Europe and the city caters to a lot of wealthy business people, you’ll still be able to experience all the best of this underrated charming city on a backpacker’s budget.
Currency in Brussels
The currency used in Brussels is the euro. We suggest taking out smaller amounts of cash from an ATM, and using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees when applicable. You’ll earn miles or points on your credit card every time you swipe. When you do take out cash, if you sign up for a checking account from a bank like Charles Schwab, they will reimburse all of your ATM fees at the end of each month. This way you can take out smaller amounts of cash, and not worry about the fees. Instead, spend those extra euros on Belgian beers, frites, waffles, or chocolate, instead of bank fees.
Things to See & Do in Brussels
Grand Place
The UNESCO-protected central square is a highly memorable landmark and the most important tourist destination of the city. Known worldwide for its decorative and aesthetic wealth, The Grand-Place is surrounded by guild houses, the City Hall, and the Maison du Roi. Recognized as one of the most beautiful squares in the world, the site was originally an open-air marketplace dating back to the 11th century.
It won’t be hard to miss this iconic landmark, so be sure to take some time to admire the architecture during your stay in Brussels. The optimal viewing time to experience the magic is during the golden hour, or when the square is all lit up at night. It’s also free to look at, a gift to travels visiting Brussels on a backpacker budget.
Manneken Pis
Ahh, the pissing boy. Not just a public fountain, but a mascot and the hero of many incredible tales. Located just a 5-minute walk from Grand Place, Manneken Pis is the best-known symbol of the people of Brussels, embodying their sense of humor and independence of mind.
Originally put in place to distribute drinking water in the 15th century, the statue is a local icon and many days the bronze sculpture adorns a different costume. Also note, this tiny statue consistently makes it on Europe’s list of tourist traps to avoid.
Oh well, you’re already here, might as well see what it’s all about. For the trifecta of urinating statues, you can also visit the Jeanneke Pis (female equivalent) and Zinneke Pis (dog equivalent).
Street Art Tour
Transforming the capital city in constant movement, street artists use a wide range of techniques to convert Brussels into an open-air gallery. As is usually the case with street art, most of the works are not met without their fair share of controversy.
Walking through Brussels is like flipping through the pages of a comic book. Not only is it home to the Comic Strip Center, but its also colorful murals put it in the running for the comic book capital of the world.
-Interactive maps and locations, Map 1 and Map 2.
–Comic book route and walls here.
-Comic book history and characters here.
-Street art favorites here.
Heysel Park Atomium
As the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Atomium is to Brussels. Located just a bit out of the city center (easily accessed by public transport or the red hop-on-hop-off buses) is one of Belgium’s staple landmarks. The Atomium was the main pavilion and attraction of the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair and still stands there today. It’s a solid photo opportunity, and not too long ago all photos of the Atomium were censored due to copyright restrictions…But, not the case anymore so shoot away!
You can also buy a ticket to go inside and explore if you fancy. Bored already? Mini Europe is another attraction just around the corner, a theme park featuring miniature replicas of 350 European monuments and 80 cities.
Day Trip to Bruges
There’s a reason Bruges usually tops the list in every Belgian travel guide. Often referred to as the Venice of the north, Bruges is one of the best-preserved pre-motorized medieval cities in Europe. The narrow waterways and beautiful houses add to this picturesque town’s unique charm and never-ending photo opportunities.
Bruges does NOT cater to a Backpacker’s budget and is a popular hot spot among tourists so just be prepared for the inflated prices and selfie sticks. If you drive it’s about an hour and a 15-minute drive from Brussels and you must park outside the city center. Traveling to Bruges on Belgium’s excellent rail system is a superb choice. It’s an hour journey from Brussel-Zuid to Bruges and trains to and from Brussels leave every 30 minutes during the day.
If you really feel like chilling hard and are not on a budget, just leave it up to a tour guide for a full-day tour from Brussels, here. If you’re looking for another city to get your day trip fix, you can also check out Antwerp or Ghent.
Drink Belgian Beers at a Traditional Pub
Belgians do not mess around when it comes to their beer. Whether it be daily life or festive occasions, making and appreciating beer is part of the living heritage of communities throughout the country. It’s a cultural experience and part of the identity of the country, so much so it is UNESCO protected.
So sit back and sample a few of Belgium’s finest and remember to Ask the bartender for the special (you can thank us later). Feeling indecisive? Check out these legit lists on what to drink and where. Belgian beers are strong, so always remember to pair them with the finest Belgian dishes or frites!
Take a Hike at Roches Crahay
If you’re looking to get some fresh air and already got your walking fix in the city, how about a walk in the woods?! This peaceful walk is a great option if you have some extra time on your itinerary. Located in Aywaille (1hr 20 minutes by car) Roches Crahay is a mellow 5-mile scenic loop hike and gets you out of the city and recharged back in nature. Belgium has over 1,577 hiking trails! You know how the saying goes, the best things in life are free!
Free Museums
Brussels has tons of museums and a lot of them are free. Too many to choose from, check out the full list here.
Free Insta-worthy Spots to Capture Photos
Galeries Royales – Shopping arcade built in 1846 to stroll through and taste chocolates.
Palais Royal – Beautiful palace with incredible decor. Experience the royalty life, except they don’t live here anymore. Free to go inside visit!
Le Botanique – If the garden is in season, it’s a nice place to relax or pit stop from all that walking around the city.
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral – Most famous Church in the city, built in the 11th -15 century.
Parc du Cinquantenaire – 19th-century city park with floral gardens, fountains, and museums.
Costs Traveling in Brussels
The Bros want to share our costs traveling in Brussels because we think this honesty can inspire people to travel to new destinations they otherwise thought were out of reach. By sharing our spending, our goal is to inspire others to accomplish their travel goals.
It’s a big world out there, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot to see it, maybe even less than you think! Peep the breakdown of exactly how much it cost us for 4 days in Brussels as backpackers on a budget.
Backpacking Europe?…or around the world?! Check out our Backpacker Budget posts for:
READY TO TRAVEL TO BRUSSELS ON A BACKPACKER BUDGET?
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So intrigued by the comic book tour! We’ll be out there next fall. All. The. Frites!
You are going to have a blast. And yes. Frites. Waffles. Beers. Repeat!