7-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Belgium
Belgium is a backpacker's hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of medieval history, world-class art, and some of the best street food in Europe. While it has a reputation for being pricey, savvy travelers can navigate the country by prioritizing free walking tours, staying in vibrant hostels, and utilizing the highly efficient SNCB rail network.
This 7-day route is designed for the ultra-lean budget traveler. You will feast on legendary Belgian fries, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites for free, and experience the distinct vibes of the country's most iconic cities while keeping your daily costs around USD 35.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Brussels
Grand Place Exploration
Start at the heart of the city. The Grand Place is a UNESCO site and completely free to admire. Marvel at the intricate gold-leafed Guildhalls and the Town Hall.
Manneken Pis & Belgian Fries
Visit the famous bronze statue and grab a cone of authentic Belgian fries from a nearby 'frietkot' like Fritland for a cheap and filling lunch.
Mont des Arts Garden
Walk up to this elevated garden for the most iconic view of the Brussels skyline. It is a perfect spot for budget-friendly photos and people-watching.
Delirium Village
Head to the Impasse de la Fidélité to see the Jeanneke-Pis and enjoy a single local craft beer at the world-famous Delirium Café.
Day 2: Brussels - Culture & Comic Strips
Comic Strip Route Walk
Brussels is the capital of comics. Follow a free self-guided map to find giant murals of Tintin and Lucky Luke painted on building walls across the city.
Marolles District Flea Market
Visit the Place du Jeu de Balle for a gritty, authentic Brussels vibe. It is free to wander through the daily antiques and trinkets market.
Palais de Justice Viewpoint
Enter the massive law courts (entry is free) and then head to the plaza in front for sweeping views of the lower city.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Take a short metro ride to see the massive Triumphal Arch. The park is a great spot for a supermarket picnic dinner as the sun sets.
Day 3: Ghent - The Medieval Masterpiece
Train to Ghent
Take a 35-minute train from Brussels Central. Ghent is often cited as the favorite city of backpackers for its youthful, edgy atmosphere.
St. Bavo's Cathedral
Enter the cathedral for free to see the stunning Gothic architecture. While the Altarpiece costs extra, the building itself is a masterpiece.
Graslei and Korenlei
Sit by the canal on the medieval quays. This is the ultimate hangout spot for students and travelers alike. Grab a waffle from a street vendor nearby.
Gravensteen Castle (Exterior)
Walk around the 'Castle of the Counts.' You don't need to pay for entry to appreciate the imposing moat and battlements from the bridge.
Day 4: Bruges - The Fairy-Tale Escape
Morning Train to Bruges
A quick 25-minute hop from Ghent. Bruges is the most famous destination in Belgium, known for its preserved medieval layout.
Market Square (Grote Markt)
Stand in the center of the square surrounded by colorful stepped-gable houses and the towering Belfry.
Lake of Love (Minnewater)
Walk through this peaceful park at the southern end of the city. It's free, romantic, and offers great views of the towers.
The Beguinage (Begijnhof)
Enter the white-washed convent walls for a moment of silence. It is one of the most serene and free spots in the city.
Day 5: Bruges - Hidden Alleys & Canals
Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai)
Visit the most photographed spot in Bruges. It costs nothing to enjoy the view where the two main canals meet.
Bruges Windmill Walk
Walk along the Kruisvest to see the four remaining old wooden windmills. It is a great way to escape the tourist crowds for free.
Bonifacius Bridge
Find this hidden, picturesque bridge located behind the Church of Our Lady for a quiet, storybook photo op.
St. Jan’s Hospital Area
Wander the grounds of one of Europe's oldest hospitals. The exterior architecture and surrounding canals are stunning at dusk.
Day 6: Antwerp - Fashion & Diamond District
Antwerp Central Station
Arrive at what is widely considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The architecture alone is worth the trip.
Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain
Explore the main square of Antwerp, dominated by the impressive City Hall and the statue of the giant-slayer Brabo.
MAS Museum Rooftop
While the museum galleries have a fee, you can take the escalators to the 10th-floor rooftop for free to get a 360-degree view of the port and city.
Vlaeykensgang Alley
Discover this hidden 16th-century alleyway that feels like stepping back in time. It is a quiet escape from the modern shopping streets.
Day 7: Antwerp & Departure
Meir Shopping Street
Window shop along the grandest pedestrian street in Belgium. Be sure to peak into the Stadsfeestzaal, a luxury shopping mall in a restored hall.
Het Steen Castle
Visit the oldest building in Antwerp, located on the banks of the Scheldt river. The exterior and the visitor center are free to explore.
Red Star Line Museum (Exterior)
Walk through the historic Eilandje district to see the port's revitalization and the historic departure point for millions of emigrants.
Final Train to Brussels/Airport
Catch a direct train back to Brussels Central or straight to Brussels Airport (Zaventem) for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium for budget travelers is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild enough for walking, and accommodation prices in hostels are lower than the peak summer rush. Winter can be cold and rainy, but the Christmas markets in December offer a magical experience that justifies the chill.
Currency & Money
Belgium uses the Euro (€). While credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere (even for small amounts in frietkots), it is always wise to carry some cash for small street food purchases or lockers at train stations. Tipping is not mandatory as service is included in the price, but rounding up the bill is a common way to show appreciation for good service.
Getting Around Belgium
The most efficient way to travel between Belgian cities is the SNCB train network. Trains are frequent, clean, and fast. If you are under 26, the 'Youth Multi' pass (formerly Go Pass 10) offers 10 journeys for a fixed low price. For those over 26, look for 'Weekend Tickets' which offer a 50% discount on return trips between Friday night and Sunday. Within cities, Belgium is extremely walkable, though Brussels and Antwerp have excellent metro and tram systems for longer distances.
