How to spend a weekend in Brussels, Belgium, on a budget! Including plenty of chocolate, museums, and architecture.
My two friends and I just took a weekend trip from London to Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. Brussels is a super convenient weekend trip from London because it’s just a short journey across the English Channel.
Whether you’re a study abroad student, a backpacker exploring Europe, or an expat living in London who wants a weekend away, consider a trip to Brussels!
Being an international student, I did my best to explore Brussels on a budget. My friends and I certainly didn’t have lots of money to spend, but we still wanted to make the most of our time.
It was actually surprisingly easy to enjoy Brussels cheaply! Though we did sacrifice any sense of luxury for a super cheap trip. But we all had an absolute blast and it was all part of the experience.
So here is a recap of how we spent a weekend in Brussels, Belgium on a budget.
How To Spend A Weekend In Brussels, Belgium On A Budget
You can explore Brussels on a budget by getting cheap transport to the city, prioritizing the free attractions, and staying in a hostel. All of these budget travel tips are very accessible and they helped as stay in the city for 3 days without any issues.
Here is a summary of cheap transportation to Brussels, where to stay on a budget, and the best Brussels attractions that won’t break the bank.
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Transport: How to get to Brussels on a budget
The cheapest way to get to Brussels from other European destinations is usually by bus. Trains are the next cheapest option, followed by flights.
Bookaway is always my go-to website for comparing transport options. You can find super cheap travel prices around Europe, and Rome2Rio or Omio are useful as well.
If you’re traveling to Brussels from outside Western Europe, check Skyscanner for the cheapest flights!
When we visitied Brussels, we decided to choose the cheapest possible option and take the overnight bus. When you’re young, durable, and hoping to travel without much money, you’ll do anything to save money.
So we left London overnight and took a super uncomfortable but cheap Megabus to Brussels for about 25 pounds.
Check Bookaway for the cheapest transport in Belgium
Budget Accommodation in Brussels
If you’re hoping to stay somewhere cheap in Brussels, you can find some amazing hostels on Hostelworld. Being in the pricier region of Western Europe, Belgium’s hostels are still on the pricey side.
Most Brussels hostels cost around 30 – 50 Euros per night. But that’s pretty standard for western Europe, and it’s still cheaper than a hotel.
We stayed in Meininger Brussels City Center, which is one of the most affordable and top rated hostels. It’s also located right in the city center! That saved us money because we could walk to all the best attractions in Brussels without paying for public transport.
Browse other Brussels hostels on Hostelworld!
How to get free accommodation in Belgium
To cut costs even further, you can get free accommodation in Belgium by couchsurfing or doing a work exchange. I personally love doing work exchanges because you get to live and work in a new place and have a fantastic cultural experience.
For example, Worldpackers has 19 work exchange opportunities in Belgium. You can work for an NGO, hostel, homestay, and holistic center in exchange for free accommodation.
Most work exchanges expect you stay for at least a couple of weeks though. So if you only have a few days to spend in Belgium, you can also try couchsurfing and stay with a willing local for free.
If you want to do a work exchange with Worldpackers, save 10 USD on your membership with my code GABBY!
The Best Affordable Things To Do In Brussels
From indulging in delicious Belgian food, to admiring the architecture and museums, there are lots of free or cheap things to do in Brussels.
After we arrived in Brussels and checked into the hostel, we were ready to explore Brussels on a budget! We had done a little bit of research but mostly just wandered around and winged it.
Even though we didn’t pay for any guided tours or treat ourselves to any lavish meals, we still had so much fun. Here are all the best things to do in Brussels that were either free or overall very affordable.
A key tip for how to spend a weekend in Brussels on a budget – bring your student ID card if you have one! Lots of attractions offer student discounts.
1. Eat Belgian Waffles
One of the best things to do in Brussels is eat Belgian waffles. You simply cannot skip this.
There are waffle shops and cafes everywhere in the city center. They all sell freshly-made waffles with a wide array of toppings.
We experienced our first Belgian waffles at Gaufres de Bruxelles, a tiny little restaurant with amazing food.
The flaky pastry topped with strawberries and melted chocolate made for an incredible first meal in Brussels.
- Cost: Depends on the place but most are around 1-5 Euros
2. Explore the Parks
Brussels has some lovely parks that you can explore for free!
One such gem is the Parc du Cinquantenaire, renowned for its grand triumphal arch and expansive green spaces perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
Another favorite among locals and visitors alike is the Bois de la Cambre, a picturesque urban oasis featuring tranquil lakes, wooded areas, and winding pathways ideal for outdoor activities.
Additionally, the enchanting Parc de Woluwe provides a serene escape with its lush vegetation, charming ponds, and scenic trails, inviting visitors to unwind amidst nature’s beauty without spending a dime.
- Cost: Free
3. Tour the Museum of Musical Instruments
The Museum of Musical Instruments is a highlight of Brussels. Whether you’re a music lover or not, the historic instruments here are beautiful and fascinating.
You even get headphones that play recordings of the instruments as you walk by them.
This interactive museum was so entertaining. Once you reached the tenth floor of the building you could enjoy an amazing view of the city.
- Cost: 8 Euros for students if you have your ID card, otherwise 15 Euros for adults
4. Admire the Atomium
Standing as an iconic symbol of modernity and innovation, the Atomium in Brussels is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
Designed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, this towering structure represents a magnified iron crystal, standing at a height of 102 meters. Comprised of nine interconnected spheres, visitors can explore various exhibition spaces, offering insights into science, technology, and Belgian culture.
With its striking design and panoramic views of the city from its highest sphere, the Atomium is a super cool spot to visit in Brussels. Combine it with a visit to the Design Museum to embrace more creativity!
- Cost: 16.95 Euros, includes entry to the Design Museum
Book your ticket to Atomium and the Design Museum in advance online!
5. Eat Belgian Chocolate
The rich delicacy that is Belgian chocolate clearly represents a central part of the culture in Belgium. We couldn’t walk two feet without coming face to face with a decadent chocolate shop.
After admiring the picturesque displays of sweets, we decided to tour the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate and indulge in delicious samples. Choco Story is another top chocolate museum in Brussels.
Both museums offer entry, samples, presentations, and chocolate making workshops.
We also bought our own chocolate from one of the enticing shops in the street, filling a three euro bag full of interesting flavors.
I savored every single bite of chocolate on this trip. It was all so delicious!
- Cost: Around 10-15 Euros for museum entry and samples, 35 Euros for workshops
6. Browse through the street markets
Brussels, like most European cities, has plenty of charming street markets to explore. You can browse through local goods and soak up the atmosphere on a budget.
From the bustling stalls of the Marché du Midi to the charming ambiance of the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market, the street markets of Brussels offer something for everyone.
Wander through the atmospheric lanes of the Marolles district, where the market’s eclectic offerings spill out onto the cobblestone streets, or explore the Gare du Midi market, a melting pot of flavors and aromas.
- Cost: Free unless you want to treat yourself to some food or a souvenir
Read next: How To Afford Traveling The World In Your 20’s
7. Admire the Grand Place and Architecture in Brussels
Being an old city with lots of history, much of the architecture of Brussels is absolutely fascinating. Just walking around means you’ll find cool alleyways, magnificent cathedrals, and unique buildings.
The most incredible area of the whole city is the Grand Place. This large square is lined with magnificent buildings laced with shimmering gold.
Brussels Town Hall is the coolest building in the Grand Place. It has a tall, ornate tower and detailed carvings of people and images.
I stared at the Brussels Town Hall for so long and still could not absorb all of the decoration. Definitely spend some time admiring the Grand Place!
- Cost: Free to admire buildings from the outside
8. Eat Belgian Fries
Our food adventures continued when we tasted the classic Belgian fries from Belgian Frites. This was a really indulgent weekend in Brussels full of chocolate, waffles, and fries. But it was all worth it!
The fries were crispy yet soft, and deliciously salty.
I was lucky that one of my friends spoke French so she helped us order and navigate around all of Brussels. French is just as common as the native language of Belgium, Flemish.
Belgium is actually the creator of fries, not the French. Another great place to try classic Belgian fries is Fritland.
- Cost: Around 5 Euros for a cone of fries
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I hope you’ve learned how to spend a weekend in Brussels on a budget!
Overall, Brussels contains all the best elements of a European city.
There are open-air markets with fresh food and aromatic flowers. You’ll also find adorable shops selling interesting, hand-made goods. And local musicians serenading you with inspiring music as you meander through the cobblestone streets.
Famous Brussels attractions like the Grand Place, museums, and Atomium all make a great addition to any Brussels itinerary. These attractions, as well as a chocolate workship, were worth the money in my opinion!
Brussels was the perfect city to experience during a short weekend trip.
It is small and most of the attractions are near the beautiful Grand Place. It is an easy city to explore on foot, so it’s perfect for budget travelers with little time.
I mean, the chocolate alone is enough incentive to come to Brussels, but all the other amazing qualities simply add to the experience.
That summarizes how to spend a weekend in Brussels, Belgium!
If you do have more time and more money to spend, I recommend checking out Get Your Guide.
They have some fun tours and activities in Brussels that are very affordable.
From day trips to walking tours to pub crawls, there are plenty more fun things to do in Brussels, Belgium.
Before traveling to Belgium…
- Visit iVisa.com to find out if you need a visa
- Buy some reliable travel insurance! My favorite company is Squaremouth Insurance because they have a helpful live chat and affordable plans.
For more budget travel guides around Europe, check out these articles:
11 Non-Touristy Things To Do In Rome
How I Lived in Portugal for One Month and Only Spent 200 Euros
Budget Travel Guide To Copenhagen, Denmark
Transylvania, Romania: The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide
7 Free Things To Do in Alicante, Spain
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Felt as if I were there. Enjoyed reading your insights Gabby. Much love, Auntie Betsy