Budget Travel in Belgium: A Solo Traveler’s Guide
As highlighted in my other European blogs, Europe can be defined by four key elements—museums, medieval castles, cobbled roads, and drinks. The continent is picturesque, partly because it preserves its medieval architecture and landscapes and partly due to its natural terrains and weather conditions. Belgium’s capital, Brussels, is also the capital of the European Union. Belgium is a relatively small country that can be explored by tourists in less than a week. The country is divided into three major regions: Flanders (the flat northern region above Brussels), Brussels (the central region), and Wallonia (the southern region marked by hills, forests, and caves). Wallonia is predominantly French-speaking and has its own parliamentary structure, making it an autonomous region.
Belgium is a liberal country that attracts tourists from all over Europe. Its proximity to France, Germany, and the Netherlands makes it a popular destination for travelers from these neighboring countries.
One can explore most of Belgium in 3-4 days, provided they plan meticulously, considering factors like travel timings, seasons, train availability, transport modes, restaurants, and accommodations. You wouldn’t need more than Euro 300 to travel and explore all the major destinations and also some the not so popular but ‘can’t-miss’ naturally decorated dream destinations within this shoe-string budget. Let’s see how.
Which Part of Belgium Should You Stay In?
Since the goal is to explore Belgium affordably while covering all major attractions in three days, the ideal base would be Brussels or Antwerp. These cities are centrally located, allowing easy travel to other parts of Belgium within three hours. Whether you want to visit Couvin in the south or Liège in the east, you can reach these destinations within three hours by train if your base is in Antwerp or Brussels.
Finding Affordable Accommodation in Antwerp
If you choose Antwerp, you’ll benefit from its excellent transport connectivity—buses, trains, trams—and a variety of affordable hostels and hotels within walking distance. When arriving in Antwerp, head to Antwerp Central Station, where you’ll find all essential amenities within 400–500 meters.
Budget-Friendly Stays in Antwerp
Hotels in Europe can be expensive, but Antwerp offers numerous budget-friendly hostels. These hostels usually feature shared rooms with bunk beds, accommodating 4 to 5 people per room. Staying in a student hostel can reduce accommodation costs by nearly 75% compared to a standard hotel room.
I stayed at The Ash Antwerp hostel, which cost me approximately ₹3,000 per day. While the rooms were a bit cramped, the hostel provided excellent facilities, including a kitchen, office space, dining area, laundry services, and cycle rentals. I booked my accommodation through Booking.com, a reliable platform for solo travelers. The site stands out for its trustworthy reviews and unbiased ratings, reflecting the true conditions of hotels and hostels.
Exploring Belgium: Where to Start?
If you stay in Antwerp or Brussels, you can explore your home city at a relaxed pace without extensive planning. However, day trips to other cities require scheduling. For example, Bruges, often called the “Venice of Belgium,” tends to close early, with many attractions shutting down by 7:00 p.m. So, it’s best to plan accordingly.
A Day in Bruges on a €70 Budget
Bruges is a 1.5-hour journey from Antwerp and deserves at least 6 to 8 hours to fully appreciate its charm. This city is famous for its canals winding through cobbled streets, giving it a medieval and vintage feel.
With over 700 years of history, Bruges boasts stunning cathedrals, towering bell towers, charming narrow streets, luxurious villas (some managed by churches), and a vibrant central market square. While walking through the streets is enjoyable, a guided boat ride along the canals offers a deeper dive into Bruges’ history, covering topics like aristocratic rule, oppression, and the rise of equality. This hour-long ride costs around €12 and is highly recommended.
To explore Bruges on a budget, consider a combination of walking tours and the boat ride while opting for local eateries to save on food expenses.
Visiting Ghent on the Way to Bruges
Ghent, located between Antwerp and Bruges, is known for its universities and student buzz. Almost every major city in Belgium has a church or medieval monument, so travelers should prioritize what they wish to explore.
Exploring Antwerp on a €70 Budget
Is it possible? Absolutely! Antwerp is a small city that can be easily covered in a day by cycling. Across Europe, cycling is prioritized, with dedicated cycle lanes in almost all major cities, including Antwerp.
Antwerp is Belgium’s diamond trading hub and home to the country’s major port. Though not located on the coast, the city benefits from deep-sea access due to fjords extending inland from the English Channel.
Some interesting places to visit include Zoo Antwerpen (€30), The Eye (giant wheel), Grote Markt Square (home to Brabo’s monument), and the famous underwater tunnel, which is free to explore.
If you stay in a hostel, cook your own meals, and rent a bicycle, you can comfortably explore the city in 3–4 hours on a limited budget.
Brussels: A Similar Path to Explore
Brussels can also be explored by cycling. With smart planning, you can visit both Antwerp and Brussels on the same day. A train ride from Antwerp to Brussels takes about 40–50 minutes. From Brussels Central Station, the Grand Place (main square) is just 500–600 meters away.
Public transport options, such as the metro and tram, are ideal for longer distances. While Brussels has many attractions—galleries, palaces, churches, and museums—budget travelers should prioritize must-visit landmarks.
Apart from the usual architecture, I highly recommend the Atomium. This set of massive interconnected spheres offers panoramic views of the city. Inside, you’ll find light shows, exhibitions, and restaurants. However, exploring the Atomium requires some stamina, as it involves walking up numerous staircases.
Discovering the Stunning Neptune Caves
Have you ever considered visiting naturally formed limestone caves? Don’t miss this!
The Neptune Caves, also known as Grottes de Neptune, are a series of natural limestone caves in Couvin, Belgium—the southernmost town before reaching the French border. The region is predominantly French-speaking, with French as the official language.
These caves feature impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that include a boat ride along the underground river, enhanced by an underwater light show in a pitch-dark setting.
Many travelers miss this attraction due to its remote location—about a 3-hour train ride from Antwerp or 2+ hours from Brussels. Additionally, the caves are 2.5 km from Couvin train station, and the town has limited public transport. Most visitors must walk to the caves, which is why they are less popular. However, witnessing this natural wonder, shaped over millions of years, is well worth the effort.
The caves are open to the public, with guided tours lasting approximately 45 minutes. Admission fees are: adults (€9), seniors (60+) and students (€8), children (4–12) (€5.50), and free entry for children under 4. Group discounts apply for parties of 20 or more. It’s best to check the official website for updated opening times and book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. For more details, read the detailed blog on Grotte De Neptune caves.
For budget-conscious travelers, a trip to the Neptune Caves can be covered within €50. Ideally, you can combine this visit with a trip to Liège, the city in Wallonia in the southern Belgium.
Final Thoughts
Traveling solo in Belgium doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing hostels and planning your day trips wisely, you can experience Belgium’s rich culture, history, and charm on a limited budget. Prioritize your must-visit sites and allocate your budget accordingly. Each of the mentioned cities can be explored for less than €70 per location if you follow cost-effective travel, accommodation, and dining strategies.
Happy travels!
Have you been to Belgium? Share your budget-friendly travel tips in the comments below!