Brussels is a colorful city known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Brussels, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Brussels?
You should plan to spend around $180 (€165) per day on your vacation in Brussels. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $72 (€66) on meals
- $18 (€17) on local transportation
- $159 (€146) on hotels
A one week trip to Brussels for two people costs, on average, $2,517 (€2,310). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,259
€1,155
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,517
€2,310
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One Month
Per person
$5,394
€4,950
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,517
€2,310
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,035
€4,620
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,789
€9,900
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Brussels cost?
A one week trip to Brussels usually costs around $1,259 (€1,155) for one person and $2,517 (€2,310) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Brussels on average costs around $2,517 (€2,310) for one person and $5,035 (€4,620) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Brussels will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Brussels on average costs around $5,394 (€4,950) for one person and $10,789 (€9,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Brussels expensive to visit?
Brussels is a vibrant city that's big enough to keep you busy for days. Here, you'll meet a diverse crowd of travelers, from those on a shoestring budget to those looking for a little luxury. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you choose to make it so, Brussels can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $72 (€66) per day, mid-range travelers spend $180 (€165) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $448 (€410) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Brussels.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Brussels is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Thessaloniki or Kos.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Brussels Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Brussels?
The average Brussels trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Brussels travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Brussels cost?
Brussels on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$33
(€30)
|
$80
(€73)
|
$182
(€167)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(€6.84)
|
$18
(€17)
|
$42
(€38)
|
|
Food 2
|
$28
(€25)
|
$72
(€66)
|
$193
(€177)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$10
(€8.85)
|
$25
(€23)
|
$66
(€61)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(€3-8)
|
$7-21
(€7-20)
|
$16-48
(€15-44)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Brussels with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
Brussels on a Shoestring Budget?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $72 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Brussels, such as MEININGER Bruxelles City Center , The Legacy by 2GO4 City Center, and Sleep Well Youth Hostel. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Additionally, the city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to evade costly taxi or Uber trips. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Brussels, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. When visiting Brussels, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $180 per person, per day.
Brussels boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. B&B Home & the City is an excellent family-friendly option, while B&B Le Verger is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Brussels here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $448 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the city will require a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Brussels Chocolate Tour with a Local Expert: 100% Personalized & Private - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Brussels
The cost of hotels in Brussels can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $91, but the demand in peak summer season pushes that average to around $170. Budget hotels range from $64 to $256, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Brussels for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $159 (€146). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $80 (€73) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Brussels? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Brussels include:
- B&B BE IN BRUSSELS starting at $120
- Hotel Sandton Brussels Centre starting at $118
- NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon starting at $113
- NH Brussels Bloom starting at $95
- Hotel des Galeries starting at $130
Brussels, being a vibrant city, offers a wide range of places to stay. You can choose from budget-friendly hostels such as MEININGER Bruxelles City Center, charming vacation rentals, or upscale hotels. Staying in the city center might cost you a bit more, but you'll have quick access to public transit and the best attractions.
Brussels has an excellent public transit system, so it's possible to stay further outside the city and commute in. This may keep your accommodation prices down, but your transportation costs will go up. It can also be inconvenient if you're short on time.
In a family-friendly place like Brussels, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children. It's a big city, so you might notice that the rooms feel small and slightly cramped.
Spending up to a week in Brussels is common. If you're staying for a longer time, consider a vacation rental with a kitchen to prepare your own food.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Exploring Brussels on foot is popular among many, so consider staying in a central area. Just keep in mind that this might lead to higher prices.
The city's old town is a favorite spot for visitors. Hotels here may be expensive, but they usually have a lot of character and offer convenient access to local attractions.
Transportation Budget in Brussels
Brussels is a vast city, so transportation is crucial, but thankfully, the public transit system here is excellent. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses. Public transit is the most economical choice, but taxis and rideshares are available if you need them.
If walking is your preferred way to explore, you'll have a great time here. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: 
(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (€17) per person, per day, on local transportation in Brussels. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Brussels is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
€17
If you're going to rely on public transportation a lot, multi-day transit passes can help you save quite a bit of cash.
Watch out for pickpockets while traveling on buses and trains and in the stations. Remember, Brussels is a bustling city.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Airport Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van for $87 details
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB S-CLASS 3 PAX for $150 details
- Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Bruges with Business car for $162 details
How much does it cost to go to Brussels? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Brussels will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Brussels are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Brussels. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
Subway Pass
€4.50
-
Atomium train ticket (2)
€8.00
Food Budget in Brussels
The culinary offerings in Brussels are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Brussels can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Brussels is $72 (€66) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$72
€66
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Brussels is around $72 (€66) per person, with previous travelers spending from $28 to $194. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Brussels are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $51
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Food in Brussels is delicious. There are three main items that Brussels is known for. These include mussels, fries, and chocolate. Each should be tried at least once during your time here. Fries are served with unique toppings and there's debate over which place has the best version. Some recommended places include the fritkot near Barriere de Saint-Gilles, St-Josse's Martin, and Antoine.
Mid range restaurants are found in abundance around Rue des Bouchers-Beenhouwerstraat to the north of Grand Place. It is sometimes possible to negotiate a price before choosing a restaurant. Do be aware of hidden charges.
Vegan options are almost impossible to find, but there are some vegetarian restaurants that offer some good selections if you don't eat meat. It's also possible to get sandwiches that are strictly vegetarian.
Dining at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner can help you save money. Many restaurants in touristy areas or business hubs provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' Often, these options are simply smaller and more affordable versions of their dinner menus. If you play your cards right, you could enjoy a full multi-course gourmet meal without breaking the bank. Then, you can keep it light for dinner.
When dining out with children, prioritize restaurants with a kids' menu. This can help you save a fair amount of money, as those options are typically less expensive. Some eateries might not showcase kids' meals on their menus, so it's a good idea to check with the waiter.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Brussels, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $128 details
- Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal - Do Eat Better Experience for $106 details
- The 10 Tastings of Brussels With Locals: PRIVATE Food Tour (B-Corp certified) for $157 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Brussels, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Brussels
It's evident that Brussels is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Brussels typically cost an average of $25 (€23) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$25
€23
As visitors can find many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Brussels, do yourself a favor and don't just rush in and out of this dynamic city. You can learn so much about the city itself, and Europe as a whole in just one visit.
Popular sights abound in the city and include the Grand Place-Grote Markt, Parc du Cinquantenaire-Jubelpar, Manneken Pis, Atomium, Basiliek van het Heilig Hart, and Cantillon Brewery. There are some interesting ways to see the city such as on a bike tour, doing an architectural tour, or taking the horse drawn carriage. This is definitely not necessary however, and many enjoy relaxing and visiting the sights on their own at their own pace. Brussels is an easy city to navigate, so if you don't feel compelled to do a tour, it is not a great loss.
If you're interested in shopping, Brussels is a great city to pick up some fun souvenirs. The city is known for its lace which can be found at Grand Place-Grote Markt. Do make sure that you are actually buying locally produced lace as some places have outsourced the process. Chocolate is another Belgium favorite and you will find chocolate stores everywhere. It's something everyone should sample while they're in town. And of course, Belgium is known for its beer so make sure you allow yourself time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass in a good setting.
Museums and Attractions:
Many people visit Brussels specifically to see its famous museums and landmarks. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.
Historical Sights:
Visitors love to explore the historic old town area. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.
Shopping:
The shopping experience here is something you have to do. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Brussels. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven for $10 details
- 2 Hours Walking Tour in Brussel for $32 details
- Brussels Old City’s Highlights Walking Tour for $4 details
Nightlife Budget in Brussels
Though Brussels has some nightlife options, it's relatively quieter compared to other more popular cities. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (€13) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Brussels per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
€13
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Brussels. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience for $17 details
- Micro brewery tour with beer tasting for $110 details
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience for $18 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Brussels, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
-
Bottle of Wine
€10
-
Beer
€6.00
Traveling in Brussels
Guildhalls in Grand Place, Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
Despite this, many travelers rush through, or even overlook Brussels. It has not yet made a major impact in the travel community, but that doesn't mean this city should be skipped. Despite its international feel, Brussels has a unique and personable atmosphere. It manages to hold on to its own unique culture and vibe. There's a deep routed history here, which can be seen not only in its architecture, but also the museums and art galleries that dot the city.
Brussels' weather tends to be wet, with rain falling on an average of 200 days a year. This dampness means the city feels much colder than it actually is. Seasonal temperature changes are small, with summer temperatures rarely going above 22 degrees Celsius. After October the temperature drops and although snow is rare, it can still feel wet and cold.
Neighborhoods & Around
Brussels is divided into 19 boroughs which are referred to as Communes or gemeenten. Bruxelles/Brussel is where you will find the most character and the highest concentration of attractions. Decorative buildings are found around Grand Place. Marolles/Marollen is near the middle of the city and it is still possible to hear people speaking Flemish here. There's a daily flea market on the Place du Jeu de Balle that is popular. Ixelles/Elsene is an energetic area with a lot of restaurants and bars. There is a lot of diversity in this area and some great ethnic restaurants. Molenbeek-Saint-Jean has a large Moroccan and Romani population and Saint-Gilles has French, Portuguese, Spanish, Maghrebi and Polish neighborhoods.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
It's a huge city, but not as big a destination as some other major European cities. This means you can still find affordable places to stay and local restaurants that aren't crazy expensive.