Smack in the middle of Northwestern Europe is Belgium, full of history and vibrancy, with chocolate so delectable. Exploring this wonderful country does not have to break the bank. From medieval towns to buzzing cities and attractive countryside, Belgium offers a number of low-cost adventures for the broke backpacker.
From the cobblestone streets of Bruges to the comic book murals of Brussels, Belgium’s unique mix of tradition and quirkiness awaits. For $10 to $25 a day, travelers can feast on delicious waffles, world-class beer, and breathtaking architecture. Whether through budget-friendly accommodation, by availing themselves of local transportation, or by trying street food, one will find that anyone can experience the authentic charm of Belgium.
How to get there:
By Train
Belgium’s rail network connects seamlessly with neighboring countries. Consider the following options:
Netherlands: Thalys and NS International trains link Amsterdam to Brussels and Antwerp.
Germany: Deutsche Bahn and Thalys trains connect Cologne, Berlin and Munich to Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.
France: Thalys and SNCF trains link Paris to Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges.
Luxembourg: CFL trains connect Luxembourg City to Brussels and Antwerp.
Book in advance through websites like NS, Deutsche Bahn, SNCF or CFL to secure affordable fares.
By Bus
Netherlands: FlixBus and Eurolines connect Amsterdam to Brussels and Antwerp.
Germany: FlixBus and Eurolines link Berlin, Munich and Cologne to Brussels and Antwerp.
France: FlixBus, Eurolines and Ouibus connect Paris to Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges.
Luxembourg: FlixBus and Eurolines link Luxembourg City to Brussels and Antwerp.
Book through FlixBus, Eurolines or Ouibus for affordable fares.
Hitchhiking to Belgium
Netherlands: A2/E25 from Amsterdam or A16/E19 from Rotterdam.
Germany: A3/E35 from Cologne or A9/E45 from Berlin.
France: A1/E15 from Paris or A26/E46 from Reims.
Luxembourg: A6/E25 from Luxembourg City.
When to go:
Spring (March to May)
- Mild weather (10-20°C/50-68°F)
- Fewer tourists
- Affordable accommodations
- Festivals: Brussels International Film Festival, Gentse Feesten
- Occasional rain
- Some attractions still closed after winter
Summer (June to August)
- Warm weather (20-25°C/68-77°F)
- Long days (16 hours of daylight)
- Festivals: Tomorrowland, Gravensteen Castle Festival
- Outdoor activities: hiking, cycling, beach trips
- Peak tourist season (higher prices)
- Crowded cities and attractions
Autumn (September to November)
- Comfortable temperatures (10-20°C/50-68°F)
- Fewer tourists
- Festivals: Brussels Comic Strip Festival, Leuven Innovation Festival
- Harvest season (try local beers and produce)
- Some attractions closed for maintenance
- Rainy days
Winter (December to February)
- Magical Christmas markets
- Ice skating and winter sports
- Fewer tourists (lower prices)
- Festivals: Winter Wonders, Gentse Winterfeesten
- Cold weather (-2 to 5°C/28-41°F)
- Short days (8 hours of daylight)
Special Events and Festivals
Winter Wonders (December): magical Christmas markets.
Carnival of Binche (February/March): colorful parades and festivities.
Tomorrowland (July): world-famous electronic music festival.
Brussels Comic Strip Festival (September): comic book enthusiasts unite.
Best Itineraries:
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Brussels
- Explore Grand Place and surrounding streets
- Visit Atomium (10€)
- Enjoy waffles and Belgian beer
Day 2: Bruges
- Train to Bruges (10€ return)
- Explore medieval city center
- Visit Belfry Tower (10€)
Day 3: Ghent
- Train to Ghent (10€ return)
- Explore Gravensteen Castle (10€)
- Wander along canals
1-Week Itinerary
Day 1-2: Brussels
- Grand Place
- Atomium
- Magritte Museum (10€)
- Explore neighborhoods (Marollen, Saint-Gilles)
Day 3-4: Bruges
- Medieval city center
- Belfry Tower
- Church of Our Lady (6€)
- Boat tour (10€)
Day 5: Ghent
- Gravensteen Castle
- Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (6€)
- Canals and Patershol neighborhood
Day 6-7: Antwerp
- Cathedral of Our Lady (6€)
- Rubenshuis (8€)
- Explore harbor and diamond district
2-Week Itinerary
Day 1-3: Brussels
- Grand Place
- Atomium
- Magritte Museum
- Explore neighborhoods
Day 4-6: Bruges
- Medieval city center
- Belfry Tower
- Church of Our Lady
- Boat tour
Day 7-8: Ghent
- Gravensteen Castle
- Saint Bavo’s Cathedral
- Canals and Patershol
Day 9-11: Antwerp
- Cathedral of Our Lady
- Rubenshuis
- Harbor and diamond district
Day 12-14: Leuven and surrounding areas
- Leuven’s Grand Beguinage (6€)
- Visit nearby breweries (e.g., Stella Artois)
- Explore countryside
1-Month Itinerary
Week 1: Brussels and surrounding areas
- Explore neighborhoods
- Visit nearby cities (Mechelen, Waterloo)
- Day trips to Flemish countryside
Week 2: Flanders (Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp)
- Medieval city centers
- Castles and cathedrals
- Canals and harbor areas
Week 3: Wallonia (Namur, Dinant, Liege)
- Explore citadels and fortresses
- Visit breweries and wineries
- Hike in Ardennes forest
Week 4: Coastal regions (Ostend, Knokke-Heist)
Enjoy seafood
Beaches and promenades
Visit coastal fortresses
Transportation:
Belgium’s public transportation network is efficient, reliable and affordable. Travelers can easily explore the country’s vibrant cities, picturesque countryside and iconic attractions using trains, buses, trams and metro lines.
Train Network
Belgium’s rail network connects major cities, towns and neighboring countries.
- InterCity (IC): Connects major cities (Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges)
- Regional (L): Links smaller towns and villages
- High-Speed (Thalys, Eurostar): International connections (Paris, Amsterdam, London)
Train operators:
- NMBS/SNCB (National Railway Company)
- Thalys
- Eurostar
Ticket prices:
- Single journey: 10-30€
- Return ticket: 20-50€
- Rail Pass: 60-120€ (10 journeys)
Bus Network
Bus companies connect cities, towns and rural areas.
- De Lijn (Flanders)
- TEC (Wallonia)
- STIB (Brussels)
Bus types:
- City buses
- Regional buses
- Express buses
Ticket prices:
- Single journey: 2-5€
- Day pass: 5-10€
Tram and Metro
Trams and metro lines operate in major cities.
- STIB (Brussels)
- De Lijn (Antwerp, Ghent)
- TEC (Liege, Charleroi)
Ticket prices:
- Single journey: 2-3€
- Day pass: 5-10€
Travel Cards and Passes
- MoBIB: Electronic travel card (10-20€)
- 10-Journey Card: Rail Pass (60-120€)
- Day Pass: Unlimited travel (10-20€)
- Belgium Rail Pass: International rail pass (150-300€)
Mobile Apps and Websites
- NMBS/SNCB (train schedules and tickets)
- De Lijn (bus schedules and tickets)
- STIB (tram and metro schedules and tickets)
- Google Maps (public transportation routes)
Tips and Reminders
- Validate train tickets before boarding.
- Use public transportation during off-peak hours for discounts.
- Consider buying a rail pass or travel card.
- Check schedules and plan ahead.
- Be mindful of peak hour crowds.
Accessibility and Discounts
Group discounts (10+ people): 10-20% off
Senior citizens (65+): 50% discount
Youth (under 26): 50% discount
Disabled travelers: free or reduced-fare travel
Top things to do:
Brussels
- Grand Place (free)
- Atomium (10€)
- Magritte Museum (10€)
- Manneken Pis (free)
- Saint-Gilles neighborhood (free)
- Brussels Comic Strip Center (10€)
- Royal Palace (free, outside)
- Parc du Cinquantenaire (free)
- Delirium Café (beer tasting, 10-20€)
- Brussels Street Art (free, self-guided tour)
Bruges
- Medieval city center (free)
- Belfry Tower (10€)
- Church of Our Lady (6€)
- Boat tour (10-15€)
- Groeningemuseum (10€)
- Burg Square (free)
- Markt Square (free)
- Bruges Beer Experience (15-25€)
- Saint John’s Hospital (6€)
- Bruges’ scenic canals (free)
Ghent
- Gravensteen Castle (10€)
- Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (6€)
- Ghent Altarpiece (free)
- Patershol neighborhood (free)
- Canals and boat tours (10-15€)
- Castle of the Counts (10€)
- Saint Nicholas’ Church (free)
- Ghent’s medieval city walls (free)
- De Werfkring art space (free)
- Ghent’s vibrant nightlife (10-20€)
Antwerp
- Cathedral of Our Lady (6€)
- Rubenshuis (8€)
- Antwerp Harbor (free)
- Diamond District (free, self-guided tour)
- Red Star Line Museum (10€)
- Antwerp City Hall (free)
- Grote Markt (free)
- Meir shopping street (free)
- Antwerp’s street art scene (free, self-guided tour)
- Antwerp Beer Walk (15-25€)
Leuven
- Grand Beguinage (6€)
- Leuven Town Hall (free)
- Saint Peter’s Church (free)
- Leuven’s medieval city walls (free)
- Oude Markt (free)
- Leuven’s beer culture (10-20€)
- Arenberg Castle (10€)
- Kruidtuin botanical garden (5€)
- Leuven’s vibrant student life (free)
- Visit nearby breweries (10-20€)
Wallonia
- Dinant’s citadel (10€)
- Namur’s citadel (10€)
- Liege’s medieval quarter (free)
- Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit (20-50€)
- Hike in Ardennes forest (free)
- Visit local breweries (10-20€)
- Explore picturesque villages (free)
- Kayaking on Meuse River (20-30€)
- Visit castles and fortresses (10-20€)
- Enjoy local cuisine (15-30€)
Coastal Region
- Ostend’s beach and promenade (free)
- Knokke-Heist’s beach (free)
- Visit coastal fortresses (10-20€)
- Take a boat tour (20-30€)
- Explore De Panne’s dunes (free)
- Visit Plopsaland theme park (30-40€)
- Enjoy seafood (20-30€)
- Visit historic lighthouses (10-20€)
- Relax in coastal towns (free)
- Water sports (20-50€)
Food:
From chocolate, beer, and waffles, there is more to the food landscape of Belgium than just these iconic treats. From heavy stews to delicate pastries, the food of Belgium carries in its fold the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Traditional Flemish and Walloon cuisines are differently flavored: the first one, besides Dutch and German influences, has heavy stews such as waterzooi and carbonade flamande, while Walloon cuisine boasts French and Italian influences and includes dishes like tournedos Rossini and boulets à la liégeoise.
Other highly iconic and national treasures are waffles, fries, and chocolate. The latter are crispy outside and fluffy inside, served with whipped cream, strawberries, or chocolate. Fries, or “frites,” are a national obsession normally enjoyed with mayonnaise or curry ketchup. Because of its very superior quality, highly valued Belgian chocolate is wrought into excellent truffles and pralines.
Pairing food with beer is an art in Belgium. Visit some of the beer cafes or restaurants that organize guided tastings and pairing sessions. Certain renowned combinations include Westvleteren 12 paired with carbonade flamande, Chimay Blue with boulets à la liégeoise.
Street foods and markets will give you a treat for the senses. A visit to the Grand Place in Brussels or the Grote Markt in Antwerp will provide you with mouthwatering delicacies: freshly baked waffles, crispy fries, and savory snacks. Frikadellen, or meatballs, and smoutebollen, small deep-fried dough balls, are some sweet delicacies you should never miss.
Surprises from regional dishes simply carry on. Flanders prides itself on Ghent’s well-known Gentse waterzooi, while Liege takes over the signature with boulets à la liégeoise in Wallonia. Yet another delicacy is Namur’s tournedos Rossini.
Eating inexpensively is a snap. Just stop by local markets or street food stalls, have daily menus in cafes, and share dishes with other travelers. Ethnic restaurants are also available to provide international dishes at an affordable price.
Belgium is proud of their cuisine; thus they have these lively festivals to show it off to the world. Brussels Food Festival, Ghent Festival, Antwerp Food Festival, and Belgian Beer Weekend are events that show off the local flavors.
Rich flavors form the culinary tapestry of Belgium. No gastronomic venture, worth forgetting, happens-from trying local delicacies and roaming street food markets to pairing great cuisine with beer.
Culture:
With its complicated history, linguistic diversity, and artistic traditions, Belgium consequently has its own uniqueness of cultural identity. This eclectic culture is embroidered in daily life just begging to be found.
Belgium’s history has been checkered with various empires and occupations, which have all left their mark on the country in terms of architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Place in Brussels is a good example of both Baroque and Gothic styles. Its medieval castles, fortresses, and cathedrals stand in testimony to its rich historical tapestry.
Only three languages enjoy the status of an official language in the country: Dutch, French, and German. This reflects the significant regional diversity in the country. Its northern part is dominated by Flemish culture, while Walloon traditions are prominent in the south. This linguistic mosaic influences art, literature, and daily life.
Belgium is the country of famous artists: the Flemish Primitives Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling are the founders of oil painting, while René Magritte still amazes the world with his surrealist masterworks. But comics are also close to the heart: think of Tintin or The Smurfs.
Vibrant festivals give an extra boost to Belgium’s cultural vivacity. Carnaval of Binche, recognized by UNESCO, enjoys elaborate fancy dress and music. There is the Gentse Feesten, a festival of music, theatre, and dance. During the Zomer van Antwerpen festival, Antwerp is organizing all kinds of cultural events.
The atmosphere is filled with the traditional music of Flemish and Walloon, Celtic and medieval roots. Of the few Belgian classical composers who obtained world recognition, Eugène Ysaÿe and Henri Vieuxtemps are to name a few. The folk dances, for example, the Flemish “Dans van de Drinkebroers,” are an exhibit of the quality of culture here.
The food in Belgium combines the tastes of both Flemish and Walloon perfectly in harmony. Above all, Belgian cuisine is known for chocolate, waffles, and fries. In Belgian culture, beer is a part of this small country, with over 1,000 different types of beers. Especially valued are Trappist beers, brewed by monks. Community is amongst the most important issues in Belgians’ lives, along with respect and tolerance. People appreciate direct communicative style and not being late. Family is an important unit for Belgians; to eat and drink together is a well-developed part of social life.
It holds education in high regard, housing very prestigious universities, such as Leuven and Ghent. The literary heritage of Belgium is impressive too, from Georges Simenon up to Hugo Claus.
The modern Belgium in terms of culture is far from stagnant. From Antwerp to Brussels, art keeps changing; fashion keeps changing; design keeps changing. The comic book industry, despite its strong influence, is never over with creating surprises for the masses.
It is richness in culture that has made Belgium a treasure to be unveiled. Learn about the region’s history, art, folklore, and traditions; enjoy the warm hospitality, local food, and beer-to name a few items of the rich cultural tapestry.
Accommodations:
From the treasure trove of cultural wealth to historical significance and from mouth-watering cuisines to an equally impressive landscape of hostels, Belgium does not disappoint. To the intrepid traveler desiring unforgettable experiences, Belgium’s hostels offer a little more than just your average accommodation-a threshold to vibrant communities, eclectic atmospheres, and lifetime connections.
Similarly, hostels in Belgium span a whole range of budgets, with the cheapest often offering the most amazing experiences. Booking cheap stays exposes the traveler to unexpected conversations with fellow travelers, impromptu tours of lesser-known spots, and cultural interaction.
Think of local artwork translating into quirky décor, cozy communal areas that nurture connections, and organized events-all staples that many hostels in Belgium have on offer. Enjoy food delights from waffles to Belgian beer. Travelers will also be able to enjoy the local food, visit historical places, and socialize with others.
Giving up luxury for budget-friendly hostels will find the best, most unique, and craziest people. These hotspots attract free-spirited travelers, local artists, musicians, and storytellers, and their electric atmosphere beguiles one to craft lifelong memories.
The playful soul of Belgium is alive in their hostels. Embracing the unknown, opening themselves to affordable accommodations, allows travelers to unlock lifelong friendships, cultural immersion, and personal growth through shared experiences.
Well in advance, bookings are advisable, especially so during peak seasons, to ensure availability. You can research the atmosphere, amenities, and location of hostels to find one that best fits your needs. Interaction with staff members and fellow travelers allows for valuable inside knowledge, which enables travelers to get around Belgium like locals.
Digs in smaller cities enable more authentic experiences, while community kitchens and lounges greatly aid in the connections. Go ahead and be part of the local Belgian atmosphere in events, festivals, and markets. Knowing key Dutch, French, and German phrases enhances interaction and respect for local culture.
The hostels in Belgium are a treasure of adventure, connection, and growth. Forget the luxury, welcome the affordable, and plunge yourself into the most vibrant community waiting for you.
Nightlife:
Belgium wakes up to life after sunset. From lively cities to modest towns, nightlife promises unforgettable experiences to those fortunate enough to be in Belgium.
Cities such as Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent thrum with energy. Nightclubs, bars, lounges, and live music venues cater to diverse tastes, allowing the experience to change from night to night. An electric vibe engulfs historic streets clad in neon lights.
The two main areas of Belgium, Flanders, and Wallonia show a stark contrast in the nightlife characters. Flanders shines with highly energetic dance floors, while Wallonia charms would-be revelers with cozy bars and small intimate-live performances. The contrast certainly presents an intriguing nightlife panorama.
Belgian beer legends certainly contribute to the nightlife within the country. Visit local breweries, beer cafes, or festivals to get a taste of artisanal brews and socialize with fellow enthusiasts. A whole genre of connoisseurs and an uninitiated symphony share in the country’s brewing heritage.
From techno to jazz, Belgium’s nightlife explodes to a million beats. The echo of laughter, the twinkle of music, and the chatter will lure you to these hollows. Expect impromptu dance parties and spontaneous concerts behind every corner.
Belgium welcomes travelers with a multicultural stamp. One can rub shoulders with the passengers, the locals, the expats before nuancing the magic of unforgettable connections. Music and laughter wipe away the language barriers.
Embrace spontaneity; this is the lifeblood of the Belgian nightlife. Lose yourself in its beauty; get lost stumbling around underground parties, funky bars, and hidden local favorites. Anything can happen, and those surprises will create memories-for-life.
Belgium makes your safety its main priority, with bright lighting in the streets and good transport systems. Most of the venues are located reasonably close to easy walking and finding.
The locals say that it’s always best to go beyond the tourist spots for a true taste of nightlife. Miller’s, DJs, and fellow travelers will guide you through unexpected corners.
Belgium’s nightlife thrills to excite any adventurer. Dive into an atmosphere of pure fun, sample local brews, and boogie all night long.
Backpacking costs:
Daily:
- Accommodation: €5-10 (hostel dorm or camping)
- Food: €3-5 (cooking own meals or street food)
- Transportation: €1-2 (walking, biking or public transport)
- Attractions: free (explore cities, parks)
- Total: €10-25
Weekly:
- Accommodation: €35-70
- Food: €50-100
- Transportation: €10-20
- Attractions: free
- Total: €105-250
Conclusion:
Cheap backpacking in Belgium might require some creativity and flexibility, but it’s worth the trouble in lieu of unforgettable experiences. While dallying in this European wonderland of hers, you will further appreciate the unadorned charm of backpacking with hostel dorms, street food and public transport.
Rich culture, spectacular architecture, nightlife, Belgium awaits palliation from the limits of a budget. The less that you spend on accommodation or food, the more experiences, contacts and memories you can gather.
As you stroll through Brussels’ Grand Place, Antwerp’s quaint streets, or Ghent’s canals, retain a mind set that broke backpacking is not only about conserving coins-it’s about life free of suggestions of either indefinite restraint or decadence. It’s knowing the edge of chance, local acquaintance, and beauty unknown.
So, pack light, stay curious and dive into Belgium’s treasure trove of experiences. Your wallet may be thin, but your heart will be full.
