Belgium On A Budget Travel Guide

Belgium was one of the countries on my bucket list for a while. It is easy to navigate and see multiple different charming cities and villages in one trip. While this country is not exactly the cheapest, there are some tips and tricks to make it easy to navigate and go to.

Best Time to Visit & Where To Go in Belgium

I visited Belgium in November and the weather wasn’t great. It didn’t stop us on most days but when it is raining it kind of puts a slight shadow on the trip. I would say that any time from March/April to September is great to visit. December for the Christmas markets also work really well with almost every city hosting very nice Christmas markets.

Belgium works almost year round, but the sweet spot is spring and early autumn. You get comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds and slightly better prices than July/August. Winters are fine too if you like cosy cities and Christmas lights, but shorter daylight and rain can squeeze your plans. Summer is great for beer gardens and longer evenings, but accommodation spikes.

Base yourself in Brussels

If you do not want the hassle of hopping from one accommodation to another then basing yourseIf in Brussels is a no brainer. It facilitates all of the day trips and you can go pretty much anywhere in the country from the capital. You can spend a day in the centre and then jump on trains to Bruges, Ghent, Dinant and Namur without the hassle of renting a car.

There are a number of day trips from Brussels that offer a variety of different things, whether it is classic Belgian villages/cities or some more nature escapades. You can also visit a number of different countries from Brussels as well. I go in detail on how to do these day trips as well as list 19 different day trips in the post below.

One day in Antwerp

Antwerp is one of the easiest day trips to do from Brussels. It is one of the classic Belgian cities that you look at photos. It is easy to see in a day and you see the main attractions and the historic centre For a detailed itinerary on how to do this day trip I wrote specifically about this.

Hoge Kempen National Park and the Belgian outdoors

While Belgium is not famous for mountains and rivers being quite a flat country, there is still a worthy nature escapade in my opinion. Hoge Kempen National Park may prove tricky to get to from Brussels especially if you are not driving but there is one sneaky way to do it. A small hike rewards you with great views and you can find out how to get there below.

Bruges & Ghent in One Day

The other 2 most popular cities are without a doubt Bruges and Ghent. If you’re trying to maximise your time in Belgium, doing Bruges and Ghent in one day is doable. Both cities are close together and well connected by train, so it’s manageable without rushing too much.

Bruges is the more picturesque city with canals and postcard views, while Ghent feels a bit more local and less crowded but still has plenty to see. The key is starting early, doing Bruges first, then heading to Ghent in the afternoon. I’ve broken down exactly how to plan this day efficiently, including transport, timings, and what to prioritise in each city.

Belgium Practical Tips

Where to stay in Belgium

Brussels is the most practical base: lots of accommodation, easy transport connections and straightforward day trips. The downside is price, especially around major events. Antwerp can be a smart alternative if you find better deals, and you can still day trip out easily.

Food & Drink on a Budget

Belgium has cheap food options if you don’t insist on restaurants every meal. Bakeries, sandwiches, fries and street food go a long way. Supermarket lunches are the best hack, and if you want something filling at the end of the day, find a casual spot outside the most touristy streets.

The biggest budget trap is treating every beer stop like a €10 experience. Belgium beer culture is fun, but it’s also the easiest way to blow money without realising it.

Airports in Belgium

Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main one. A budget alternative is to compare flights to Brussels Charleroi (CRL) too. Keep in mind there is a 1 hour transfer to get to Brussels and it is a €20 coach.

Transport in Belgium

Trains are the whole reason Belgium is such an easy destination. You don’t need a car for Brussels day trips, Antwerp, Bruges or Ghent. Look out for any deals or passes on the SNCB website

Frequently Asked Questions – Belgium on a Budget