Daily costs per person in EUR. Brussels is mid-range for Western Europe — cheaper than Paris or Amsterdam, and Belgian food quality punches well above its price.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: EUR (Euro) (1 USD ≈ €0.92)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–40 | €80–140 | €200+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury hotels |
| Food | €15–25 | €35–55 | €80+ | Friteries & kebabs → brasseries → gastronomic restaurants |
| Transport | €5–8 | €10–20 | €30+ | Day pass & walking → taxis → private transfers |
| Activities | €0–15 | €20–40 | €60+ | Free sites & walks → museums → guided tours & experiences |
| Drinks | €5–10 | €15–25 | €40+ | Supermarket beers → local cafés → specialty beer bars |
| Daily Total | €50–98 | €160–280 | €410+ | $55–107 → $174–305 → $447+ |
Money-saving tips
Free experiences
Grand Place, Comic Book Route murals, Marolles flea market, Place Poelaert viewpoint, EU Parliament visitor centre, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and many churches are all free.
Belgian food deals
Friteries serve massive portions of frites (€3–4). Pitta and kebab shops around Midi station offer meals for €5–7. Supermarket chain Delhaize has excellent prepared foods for picnics.
Transport card
STIB/MIVB day pass (€8) covers all Brussels metro, tram, and bus. 10-journey card (€16.50) is better for 3+ days. Under-25s ride for €1.40 per trip with the new tariff.
Museum pass
Brussels Card (€30/24hrs) includes 49 museums and unlimited transit. Pays for itself with just 2–3 major museum visits plus transport.
Beer savings
Supermarket beers cost €1–3 for excellent Trappist ales. Bar prices: €3–5 in local cafés vs €6–9 in tourist spots. Delirium Café is touristy but the beer range justifies the premium.
Train deals
Go Pass (under 26): 10 trips for €56 anywhere in Belgium. Weekend Return tickets are 50% off regular fares. Book at SNCB counters or the app.
