11-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Belgium
Belgium is a backpacker's hidden gem, offering a dense network of historic cities connected by one of the world's most efficient rail systems. This 11-day route is designed for the traveler who wants to see the classic sights without the premium price tag, focusing on communal hostel living and the best cheap eats like frites and waffles.
By utilizing local grocery stores like Lidl for picnics and taking advantage of 'Free Walking Tours' in every major hub, you can keep your daily spend around $35 while still soaking in the medieval atmosphere of Europe's heart.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Brussels, Belgium - Capital Beginnings
Arrival at Brussels Airport
Touch down and take the airport train to Brussels Central. It is the fastest way to get into the heart of the city.
Grand Place Exploration
Marvel at the gold-leafed guildhalls of the world's most beautiful square. It's completely free and breathtaking.
Manneken Pis & Comic Walls
Visit the famous small statue and then follow the Comic Book Route to see massive murals of Tintin and Smurfs.
Fritland Dinner
Grab a massive cone of Belgian fries at Fritland for under 5 Euros. It is a local institution near the Bourse.
Day 2: Brussels, Belgium - European Vibes
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Walk through the massive triumphal arch and enjoy the vast green space. It’s perfect for a budget-friendly morning jog or picnic.
European Quarter Walk
Visit the Parlamentarium to learn about the EU for free. It is interactive and highly modern.
Mont des Arts Garden
Catch one of the best views of the Brussels skyline from this elevated garden. It is a prime spot for sunset photos.
Delirium Cafe
End your day at the famous bar with over 2,000 beers. Order a local pilsner to keep it cheap.
Day 3: Antwerp, Belgium - Diamonds & Design
Train to Antwerp
Hop on a SNCB train. The journey is under an hour and drops you at one of the world's most beautiful stations.
Antwerpen-Centraal Station
Spend time photographing the 'Railway Cathedral'. No ticket is needed to admire the grand architecture.
Diamond District Stroll
Walk through the district where 80% of the world's rough diamonds pass through. Window shopping is free!
Grote Markt Antwerp
Visit the main square to see the Brabo Fountain and the ornate City Hall.
Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium - Port History
MAS Museum Rooftop
The museum has a fee, but the panoramic rooftop walk is free and offers 360-degree views of the port.
St. Anna's Tunnel
Walk through this historic under-river wooden escalator tunnel to the Left Bank for a great view of the skyline.
Vlaeykensgang Alley
Find this hidden 16th-century alleyway that feels like stepping back in time. It is a quiet escape from the city noise.
Cheap Eats at Dageraadplaats
Head to this square in the Zurenborg district for affordable pizza and local atmosphere.
Day 5: Ghent, Belgium - Medieval Magic
Train to Ghent
Travel from Antwerp to Gent-Sint-Pieters. Use the tram to get into the historic center quickly.
Graslei & Korenlei
Sit by the canal with a supermarket sandwich. This is the heart of Ghent and the most beautiful harbor in Europe.
Gravensteen Castle Exterior
Admire the 'Castle of the Counts' from the bridge. The moat and stone walls are incredibly well-preserved.
Ghent Light Plan Walk
Ghent is famous for its night lighting. Follow the illuminated path through the city for a magical free experience.
Day 6: Ghent, Belgium - Art & Alleys
Werregarenstraat (Graffiti Alley)
Walk through this ever-changing legal street art corridor. It's a colorful, free outdoor gallery.
St. Bavo's Cathedral
Enter the cathedral for free. Note that seeing the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' requires a paid ticket.
Patershol District
Wander the narrow winding streets of this culinary neighborhood. It’s the oldest part of the city.
Dinner at Soup'r
Get a huge bowl of hearty soup with bread for a very low price. Perfect for a budget traveler.
Day 7: Bruges, Belgium - The Fairytale
Train to Bruges
A short 25-minute train ride from Ghent brings you to the 'Venice of the North'.
Lake of Love (Minnewater)
Walk through this peaceful park as you enter the city. It’s the most romantic and free spot in Bruges.
Market Square & Belfry
Stand in the center of the Markt and look up at the massive Belfry tower. The atmosphere here is electric.
Rozenhoedkaai View
Head to this specific corner for the most photographed view in Belgium. It costs nothing but the time to get there.
Day 8: Bruges, Belgium - Canals & Cobblestones
The Beguinage
Visit the Ten Wijngaerde, a serene white-walled convent area. It is a quiet zone and free to enter.
Windmill Walk
Walk along the city's outer canal to see the four remaining old windmills. It’s a great way to escape the crowds.
Burg Square
See the Gothic City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. The square itself is a masterclass in architecture.
Budget Waffle Feast
Find a 'take-away' waffle window. Avoid the sit-down cafes to save 50% on your sugar fix.
Day 9: Ypres, Belgium - Remembrance
Train to Ypres (Ieper)
Journey to West Flanders to see the significant sites of WWI. The train ride involves a transfer but is scenic.
In Flanders Fields Museum
Located in the Cloth Hall, this is an essential stop for history buffs. The Cloth Hall itself is a rebuilt marvel.
Ypres Ramparts Walk
Walk the old city fortifications. It’s a peaceful green belt around the city with lots of history.
The Last Post at Menin Gate
Every single night at 8 PM, buglers play the Last Post in honor of fallen soldiers. This is a free and moving ceremony.
Day 10: Tournai, Belgium - The Hidden Gem
Train to Tournai
Head south to one of the oldest cities in Belgium, located in the Walloon region.
Cathedral of Notre-Dame
Admire the five towers of this Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Belfry of Tournai
The oldest belfry in Belgium. Even looking at it from the square is worth the trip to this quiet city.
Quai Marché-aux-Poissons
Walk along the Scheldt river for a final evening meal at a local tavern before heading back to Brussels tomorrow.
Day 11: Brussels, Belgium - Souvenirs & Departure
Return to Brussels
Take the train back to the capital for your final morning.
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Window shop in these stunning glazed shopping arcades. It's the perfect place for high-end chocolate photos.
Supermarket Chocolate Run
Don't buy tourist chocolate! Go to a local Delhaize or Carrefour to buy Côte d'Or or Leonidas for a fraction of the price.
Departure to Airport
Take the final train back to Brussels Zaventem for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium for a budget backpacker is during the shoulder seasons: late April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is mild enough for walking tours, but the crowds and prices are significantly lower than in July and August. Winter (except for the Christmas Market season) offers the cheapest accommodation, but be prepared for gray skies and frequent rain.
Currency & Money
Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in almost every shop and restaurant. However, it is wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases under 5 Euros at 'frituren' (fry shops) or for some public toilets. Tipping is not mandatory as service is included in the price, but rounding up to the nearest Euro is appreciated for good service.
Getting Around Belgium
The Belgian Rail network (SNCB) is your best friend. It is incredibly dense and efficient. For those under 26, the 'Go Pass 1' offers any one-way journey in Belgium for a flat low fee. If you are over 26, look into the '10-journey Rail Pass' which can be shared between friends to save money. Within cities, Belgium is very walkable, and many municipalities offer affordable bike-sharing schemes like Villo! in Brussels or Velo in Antwerp.
