Brussels isn't a dirt-cheap destination like some Eastern European cities, but it's considered moderately priced and manageable on a budget, especially compared to other major European capitals like Paris or Amsterdam; you can save money with free walking tours, public transport passes, affordable hostels, supermarket chocolates, and by exploring walkable areas, though dining out and airport transfers can add up.
Brussels is not a particularly expensive city, so if you organize your trip ahead of time you will manage to spend very little compared to other European capitals.
While Brussels is much more affordable than other European cities, eating out can prove to be quite expensive overall. That's why I thought it would be a great idea to gather my favourite spots that are not only delicious but also wallet-friendly.
Three days in Brussels is a good amount of time to see the main sights, enjoy the food (chocolate, beer, waffles, frites), explore key areas like the Grand Place and Art Nouveau districts, and even fit in a popular day trip to nearby cities like Bruges or Ghent, making it generally not too much time, but perfect for a thorough, relaxed visit or a busy mix of city exploration and day trips.
BRUSSELS TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Brussels + What NOT to Do!
How much money do I need for a week in Brussels?
Expect a daily outlay of around €94 ($103) if you're watching your wallet. That amount secures essentials like hostels and basic food. A budget of €179 ($197) per day secures private accommodation, dining, and local transportation, though you'll spend more if you add sightseeing.
The UK is about 10% more expensive than Belgium when considering the overall cost of living including rent. A single person in the UK needs approximately €1,920/month to maintain the same standard of living as someone spending €1,750/month in Belgium.
Carbonnade Flamande, or Flemish stew, is a rich, one-pot beer and beef stew from Flanders. It's slow-cooked over low heat for several hours so that the meat tenderises and melts in your mouth. It's typically served with fries, boiled potatoes or bread, and a glass of Belgian beer.
As in most European countries, the currency of Belgium is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc.
In Belgium drinking in public is legal however some cities (like Antwerp and Brussels) have local ordinances making public alcohol consumption illegal (mostly in specified areas like major squares or streets near the city center). Although these laws are not always enforced, they can result in fines of up to €350.
Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).
Other tourist attractions can also be visited free of charge: Manneken Pis, Mont des Arts (the place itself, with a view over Brussels), Parc de Bruxelles, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (and the other covered passageways), Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule (and the other churches of Brussels), the hall of the Palais ...
The "15 15 15 coffee rule" (also Babbie's Rule of Fifteens) is a guideline for peak coffee freshness: unroasted green beans are best within 15 months of harvest, roasted beans are best within 15 days of roasting, and ground coffee should be brewed within 15 minutes of grinding to preserve maximum flavor, aroma, and oils before oxidation degrades them.
Although Brussels is in general quite expensive, eating out can be relatively cheap, spending as little as € 4 ( US$ 4.65) for a large sandwich (which is prepared on the spot), to visiting some of the best Belgian restaurants where it'll cost approximately € 60 ( US$ 69.83) per person.
As of 2024, out of 36 countries, Switzerland is the most expensive, with prices at 184% of the EU average — 84% higher than the average. Turkey is the cheapest, with prices at 47% of the EU average, meaning they are 53% lower than the EU average.
It depends on lifestyle and personal preferences. However, to be comfortable you can expect to spend £1,500-£2,000 per month of your net income. This figure includes basic costs such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and council tax.
❣️Bruges is the most beautiful city in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you will be attracted by its long history. There are many ancient buildings and charming streets here.
Three nights give you enough time to explore different neighborhoods for food, from tourist-friendly areas to places where locals eat. While Brussels' city center is the main attraction, the city's charm also lies in its surrounding districts. With three nights, you can easily venture beyond the historic core.
