Cheap Weekend in Brussels: What to Do in 2 or 3 Days?
Thanks to the launch of the new OUIGO Train Classique train service between Paris and Brussels, visiting Brussels on a budget has never been easier! Since December 2024, you can reach the Belgian capital for just 10 euros from Paris Gare du Nord, Aulnoye-Aymeries or Mons.
So we've put together the perfect weekend for you, with some great, low-cost recommendations for 2 or 3 days in the Belgian capital.
Paris-Brussels inauguration with the OUIGO Train Classique
Day 1 : Friday evening - Discovering local specialities
With the OUIGO Train Classique train, you could arrive in Brussels late morning or afternoon on Friday. We suggest you discover the city's local flavors to get your weekend off to a good start.
Marché des Chasseurs Ardennais
Get your weekend off to a great start at the Marché des Chasseurs Ardennais. You'll be able to sample local specialties such as the famous Belgian fries, as well as waffles, cheese and craft beers. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the friendly atmosphere of Brussels markets.
Local Ardennes hunters' market
- Address : Place des chasseurs ardennais, Brussels, Belgium 1030
- Times : every Friday afternoon from 2pm to 8pm.
- Price : Free, but please allow around €10 for tastings.
- Website
An evening at Place Sainte-Catherine
Close to the market, Place Sainte-Catherine is a charming place to stroll the pedestrian streets and enjoy the inviting cafés and restaurants. An excellent way to soak up the atmosphere of Brussels. You can also visit the Sainte-Catherine church and admire its Gothic architecture.
Place Sainte-Catherine
- Address: Place Sainte-Catherine, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : 24h/24, 7j/7
- Price : Free!
Day 2: Saturday - Culture, nature and beer
The Grand-Place
Start your day with a visit to the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's one of Europe's most magnificent squares, surrounded by sumptuous buildings including the Town Hall and the King's House. We recommend a visit to the Grand-Place museum, which costs €10, but access to the square itself is free.
The Grand-Place
- Address: Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : 24h/24, 7j/7
- Price : Free, but the museum costs €10
Manneken Pis
Take a detour to admire the famous Manneken Pis, an iconic statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain. This monument is a symbol of the free spirit of the people of Brussels. There's also Jeanneke Pis, a female version of Manneken Pis, located not far away, in Rue de la Boucherie.
Manneken Pis
- Address: Manneken Pis, Rue de l'Étuve, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : 24h/24, 7j/7
- Price : Free
Fromagerie Catherine
For lunch, stop off at Fromagerie Catherine, located in the heart of Brussels. It offers a wide range of high-quality cheeses accompanied by fresh bread, charcuterie or delicious sandwiches. These are undoubtedly the best sandwiches in Brussels, and all for just 6 euros ! On top of that, Catherine and her husband, the owners of the place, take the time to explain to you the provenance of each cheese - they're real enthusiasts!
Catherine's delicious cheeses
- Address : Rue du Midi 23, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Opening hours : Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 7pm (closes at 6.30pm on Thursday).
- Price : 6 euros
- Website
Stroll in the Bois de la Cambre
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a stroll through the Bois de la Cambre, a huge 123-hectare park with lakes, shady walkways and green spaces to relax in. It's the ideal place for a picnic or a bike ride.
If you're on a budget, we recommend brunch at Chalet Robinson. Here you can enjoy an exceptional all-you-can-eat buffet, perched on the edge of the lake. Brunch costs 45 euros, but the experience is well worth it!
The Bois de la Cambre lake with Chalet Robinson perched on the water
- Address: Bois de la Cambre, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : 24h/24, 7j/7
- Price : Free
- Website
Abbaye de la Cambre
Not far from the Bois de la Cambre, you'll find the Abbaye de la Cambre, a building of great architectural beauty dating back to the 12th century. The abbey is calm and welcoming, and you can discover a small chapel. It's the perfect place for a serene break.
The entrance to the abbey's beautiful garden
- Address: Abbaye de la Cambre, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : Monday to Sunday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Price : Free!
Delirium Café
End your day on a high note with a beer tasting at the Delirium Café, offering over 2,000 choices of beer from all over the world. Delirium is a Brussels institution. You can try a typical Belgian beer or indulge in more exotic brews. Prices start at 3 euros for a basic beer.
Délirium café's iconic pink elephant
- Address: Impasse de la Fidélité 4, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Price : From €3!
- Website
Day 3: Sunday - Brunch and comics
Brunch at Lucifer Lives
Start the day with an all-vegan brunch at Lucifer, with lots of delicious choices, and all in a rock n' roll atmosphere with owners who are horror movie fans.
Dishes are hearty, homemade, and prices are affordable, starting at €8.50 for brunch.
The Lucifer's original decor
- Address : Rue Haute 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (brunch from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
- Price : From €8.50
- Insagram account
Comic Strip Museum
Did you know that Brussels is nicknamed the capital of comics ? And it deserves the name, as many of the world's greatest comic strip creators hail from Belgium! Discover all the secrets of the 9th art at the Musée de la BD and trace the history of Belgian comics, from Tintin to Spirou, via Les Schtroumpfs and Asterix et Obelix. The exhibits are interactive and suitable for all ages.
Archives of the legendary Lucky Luck
- Address : Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Price : €14 (adults), €6 (6-11 years), free for children under 6.
- Website
Comic book trail
You can keep the momentum going by taking the Comic Strip Circuit to discover giant murals created by comic strip artists. These works are scattered around different parts of the city, allowing you to stroll around while discovering the city in an original way.
Drawing “Spirou” at Rue Notre-Dame de Grâces 3 1000 Brussels
- Address: find all the streets and drawings on this site to create your own itinerary: https://www.bruxelles.be/parcours-bd
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Price : Free
Brussels Stock Exchange
Before leaving the city, stop by the Brussels Stock Exchange and immortalize your stay with a vintage photo booth inside.
Inside, you'll be able to admire its magnificent illuminated gallery, as well as a restaurant. If you have the time and money, you can also visit Belgian Beer World, a place dedicated to Belgian beer that tells its story. It's a real sensory experience around beer and costs €17.
Brussels Stock Exchange
- Address: Place de la Bourse, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Prices : Free stock exchange, photo booth for €3, Belgian Beer World for €17.
- Website
A few more places to discover
Atomium
Built for the 1958 Universal Exhibition, the Atomium is one of the symbols of Brussels. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city.
Atonium
- Address : Pl. de l'Atonium 1, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
- Times : Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Price : €16
- Website
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Perfect for a relaxing stroll, with its gardens and museums, which you can visit free of charge on the first Sunday of the month. The park is also home to some impressive buildings, including the Royal Army and Military History Museum and the Autoworld Museum.
Cinquantenaire Park
- Address : Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1000 Brussels
- Times : Monday to Sunday, 6 am to 10 pm
- Price : Free!
- Website
Place du Jeu de Balles flea market, Marolles district
This authentic neighborhood is ideal for bargain-hunting at the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market and discovering a typical Brussels atmosphere.
The Jeu de Balle flea market for your best bargains!
- Address: Quartier des Marolles, 1000 Brussels
- Opening hours : Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm, Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm.
- Price : Free, but bring a little money for bargains if you like!
- Website
Budget accommodation in Brussels
It's possible to find cheap accommodation in Brussels, as long as you plan well in advance to find the best prices!
Sleep Well Youth Hostel
From 25 euros a night, this modern hostel is located right in the center, and offers excellent value for money.
Hotel facade
- Address: Rue du Damier 23, 1000 Brussels
- Price: From 25 euros per night
- Website
MEININGER Hotel Brussels City Center
From €30 a night, this industrial design hotel offers comfortable rooms and friendly common areas.
MEININGER City Center
- Address: Quai du Hainaut 33, 1080 Brussels
- Price: From €30 per night
- Website
Money-saving tip: the Brussels Card
If you're planning to visit several museums or attractions for a fee, consider buying the Brussels Card. It offers unlimited access to public transport and many museums at a special rate.
- Price: from 30 euros for 24h
- Website
Ready to go? With this program, you're sure to have a memorable weekend in Brussels, without breaking the bank!
To go further
If you'd like to extend your trip, take a look at :
- Our 100% night train itineraries from Brussels to visit Europe (in 7 days)
- All our itineraries for Brussels
- The new Brussels-Venice night train
- The new OUIGO Train Classique Paris-Brussels line from €10
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