After a scenic (and long!) bus journey from Zurich, we arrived in Brussels, Belgium which is the heart of Europe. Despite the hours on the road, the occasional stopovers gave us a chance to stretch and grab snacks, making the journey more manageable. We stayed for 4 nights at Adagio Access Brussels Delta, a convenient and quiet spot perfect for resting between city strolls.
Brussels surprised us with its charm, historic landmarks, and affordability if you know where to look!
π¨ Where We Stayed
We booked 4 nights at Adagio Access Brussels Delta, located slightly outside the city center but well connected by public transport.
-
Cost: ~€90–110 per night for two people (with a mini kitchen, which helped us cook!)
-
Nearest Metro: Delta (Line 5)
π 4-Night Itinerary in Brussels (Budget-Friendly Edition)
Day 1: Arrival + First Impressions
-
Arrival from Zurich by bus
-
Check-in and rest at the hotel.
-
Evening stroll around the neighborhood.
-
Picked up some groceries from a nearby shop for dinner.
-
Budget tip: Preparing our own meal on the first night saved us about €20–30 compared to eating out.
πHere’s my proud moment: me and my grocery bag stuffed like it’s feeding a family of six… but it’s just for me for 3 days." ππππππ
Day 2: City Center Highlights
-
Took the Metro Line 5 from Delta to Gare Centrale (~€2.10 per ride or €8.40 for a 1-day unlimited pass).
-
Grand Place – absolutely stunning and free to explore!
-
Manneken Pis – a quick 5-minute walk from Grand Place (yes, it's tiny but iconic!).
-
Grabbed street waffles from a local vendor for just €2.50 -way cheaper than the touristy ones (€5+).
-
Lunch: Quick bite at EXKi – fresh, healthy, and budget-friendly (€8–12 per person).
-
Afternoon spent walking through Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and nearby cobblestone streets.
-
Dinner: Cooked pasta from Lidl groceries.
π Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Day 3: Atomium + Parks + Local Eats
-
Metro + tram combo to reach Atomium (we opted for just the outside view which is free).
-
Walked through Parc de Laeken and enjoyed the peaceful scenery.
-
Lunch: Tried frites (Belgian fries) from a small local spot near the Atomium for around €4.
-
Visited the nearby Mini-Europe park (optional entry if you have extra budget).
-
Evening walk in Parc du Cinquantenaire – wide open space and beautiful arches.
-
Dinner: Affordable Asian takeaway near the Schuman area (~€10).
Day 4: Museums & Chill Day
-
Strolled through the city like a local with nowhere to be
-
Grabbed sandwiches and drinks and had a picnic-style lunch at Mont des Arts, overlooking the city.
-
More waffles — because we couldn’t resist!
-
Evening spent souvenir shopping around Rue Neuve (look for shops with local prices, not just tourist traps).
-
Final dinner at BALLEKES, a local spot serving classic Belgian meatballs at affordable prices (€12–15 per person).
-
Packed up, checked out, and headed off to Amsterdam, our final destination on this Euro trip.
π° Budget Breakdown for 2 People (4 Nights)
| Category | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (4 nights) | 360–440 |
| Public Transport | 40–50 |
| Food & Groceries | 80–100 |
| Attractions | 20–30 (optional) |
| Total | ~€500–600 |
We were able to keep costs low by mixing self-catering, walking, and choosing free public sights. Brussels turned out to be a great combination of history, culture, and savings — a win for budget travelers like us!
✅Tips to Save in Brussels:
-
π³ Buy a 1-day transport pass if you'll use metro/trams multiple times.
-
π§ Look for small waffle stands in side streets — better prices and just as delicious.
-
π Shop at Lidl, Aldi, or Carrefour for affordable snacks and meals.
-
πΆ♂️ Many top attractions are within walking distance — wear comfy shoes!
Stay tuned for our next post: Exploring Amsterdam on a Budget! π³π±