Brussels Trip Cost Calculator

Brussels costs €85-140/day for budget travelers. EU capital with stunning Grand Place, world-class beer, and Art Nouveau architecture.

Budget
$90-150/day
Mid-Range
$180-300/day
Luxury
$400-700/day
Currency
€ EUR
days
traveler
Accommodation
€0
Hostel Dorm
€0 per night
0
Budget Hotel
€0 per night
0
Mid-Range Hotel
€0 per night
0
Luxury Hotel
€0 per night
0
Food & Dining
€0
Frites (Belgian Fries)
€0 per serving
0
Belgian Waffle
€0 each
0
Moules-Frites
€0 per meal
0
Restaurant Dinner
€0 per meal
0
Fine Dining
€0 per person
0
Transportation
€0
STIB Single Ticket
€0 per ride
0
STIB Day Pass
€0 per day
0
SNCB Train (Day Trip)
€0 return
0
Train (Airport)
€0 one-way
0
Activities & Attractions
€0
Grand Place
€0 free
0
Atomium
€0 per person
0
Major Museums
€0 per person
0
Free Attractions
€0 varies
0
Miscellaneous
€0
Belgian Beer (Bar)
€0 each
0
Belgian Chocolate
€0 per box
0

Brussels Budget Guide

Your Brussels Budget at a Glance

Brussels is moderately expensive for Western Europe but offers excellent value compared to Paris or Amsterdam. The beer is world-class and cheap, street food is satisfying, and many attractions are free. Budget travelers can manage on $90-150 per day, mid-range travelers should expect $180-300 per day, and luxury seekers will spend $400+ per day.

Where Your Money Goes

Accommodation is the biggest expense, especially near Grand Place. Restaurants can be pricey, but street food and local bars offer great value. The good news: beer is cheap, many attractions are free, and day trips are affordable.

Budget Traveler Tips

Maximize your euros by:

  • Eating frites and waffles (street food is a valid lifestyle)
  • Drinking beer at local bars, not tourist spots
  • Visiting free Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Art Nouveau walks
  • Using weekend train tickets for day trips
  • Buying chocolate at supermarkets (Côte d’Or is Belgian)

Worth the Splurge

Even budget travelers should consider:

  • Proper moules-frites at Sainte-Catherine
  • Beer tasting at Delirium Café (2,000+ beers)
  • Artisan chocolate from Pierre Marcolini

Getting There & Around

From Brussels Airport

Zaventem Airport is 12km northeast:

  • Train: €14.70, 20 min to Central Station
  • Bus 12: €4.50, 30 min to city center
  • Taxi: €45-50 flat rate to center

Getting Around

Brussels is walkable but hilly:

  • Metro: 4 lines, efficient for longer distances
  • Tram: Good coverage, scenic
  • Walking: Grand Place area very walkable
  • Bike: Villo! city bikes available

Money-Saving Tips

Eat Frites and Waffles

Belgian street food is cheap and filling. Frites €3-5, waffles €4-6. Skip tourist restaurants.

Save $20-30 per day

Drink at Local Bars

Beer at local bars is €3-5. Tourist areas charge €7+. Same amazing beer.

Save $10-20 per day

Day Trip from Cheaper Cities

Stay in Ghent or Mechelen and day-trip to Brussels. 30-40% cheaper hotels.

Save $40-60 per night

Visit Free Attractions

Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Art Nouveau walks, Sablon antiques are all free.

Save $20-40 per day

Best Time to Visit

Prices can vary by 50% depending on the season

Peak Season (More Expensive)

  • EU Summits (various)
  • Easter Week
  • Summer (July - August)
  • Christmas Markets (December)

Low Season (Best Deals)

  • November
  • January - March

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a week in Brussels cost?
A week in Brussels costs $630-1,050 for budget travelers, $1,260-2,100 for mid-range, and $2,800+ for luxury travelers. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
Is Brussels expensive for tourists?
Brussels is moderately expensive for Western Europe but cheaper than Paris or Amsterdam. Beer and street food offer excellent value.
What is the cheapest time to visit Brussels?
November to March (excluding Christmas) offers the lowest prices. Avoid EU summits, Easter, and summer for best deals.

Ready to Explore Brussels?

Check out our curated travel guides from local experts.