Backpacking Belgium: Solo Female Travel Guide

Is Belgium A Good Backpacking Destination?

Yes, Belgium is a great country for backpackers!

Belgium is a country full of culture, history, students, EU, beer, fries, waffles and chocolate. 

It is actually a kingdom, and the official name of the country is the Kingdom of Belgium. The country is divided into three regions Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels Capital Region.

The main difference in these regions is the language, in Flanders official language is Flemish (Dutch) and in the other two regions, the official language is French.

There are over 1,000 beer breweries in the country, some brewing beer since the 11th century. Yes, you will notice there is quite the competition for the title of the oldest Belgian brewery.

It is interesting that monks founded many of them and started brewing beers centuries ago!

After a night out, you can grab Belgian fries at countless stands countrywide.

The southern region of Wallonia is great for nature lovers, as there are many stunning hiking spots.

Best Time To Visit Belgium

Most activities in Belgium are not weather-dependent, so you can visit year-round and still enjoy your time.

However, the weather can be unpredictable, with Belgium being particularly rainy in the autumn and winter months.

The most pleasant time of the year to visit Belgium is during the summer months, from June to September.

In the summer, the days are very long, and it is usually sunny and warm. You can expect it to still be bright late in the evening, up to 22:00!

Summer and Christmas are the peak seasons for visiting Belgium. Therefore, be prepared that the main sights will be very busy! Such as the Manneken PIs statue in the photo below!

Despite the weather, Belgium is also one of the best places to backpack in Europe in winter!

You might be wondering why. Because Belgians love the holiday spirit!

Some Belgian towns, like Bruges and Gent, come alive in December as the Christmas markets start to open up.

Just keep in mind winters in Belgium are cold and very likely rainy. If you dress appropriately, you should have no problem enjoying the festive atmosphere with a cup of hot mulled wine!

How to get to Belgium

You can either fly into Belgium or travel overland from almost every country in the world.

Flying into Belgium

Belgium’s main international airport is Brussels, Zaventem. It is a quick 20-minute train ride from the center of Brussels.

If you are flying by Ryanair or another low-cost carrier, chances are you are going to land in Brussels Charleroi.

Charleroi is not Brussels. It is an hour-long bus or train ride away from Brussels.

If your flight lands in Charleroi, you will still need to travel for at least an hour to reach the capital. 

Charleroi Airport to the city center of Brussels

You have two options. You can either take a Flibco shuttle bus or a local bus from the airport to Charleroi and then a train to Brussels.

The Flibco shuttle is convenient, but you can’t book a specific time, so you may need to wait for a while after landing.

Belgium by train or bus

If you are already in Europe you can easily travel to Belgium by bus or train.

Many international trains are arriving in Brussels, including overnight trains. 

There are also multiple long-distance bus operators offering transportation to Belgium. The bus will usually be the cheapest way to travel to Belgium, but also the lengthiest.

The most popular long-distance bus operator is Flixbus, but you can check the prices and times of the Blabla bus and Eurolines.

I took a Flixbus from Paris to Ghent once and it was quite a comfortable journey!

I use this website to compare the prices of trains and buses when I’m planning my trip.

how to get around Belgium

Belgium has an excellent public transport system.

You do not need a car for backpacking in Belgium because trains and buses are affordable and convenient.

Most Belgian cities are walkable, and you probably won’t need to use transportation to explore.

If you want to get around like a local, you can rent a bike!

Traveling by train in Belgium

The train is the most popular mode of transport in Belgium and you can reach virtually any destination in Belgium by train.

Belgians are proud to be an eco-friendly country, and since the train is the most sustainable form of transportation, they often offer promotions on train tickets.

If you travel during the weekend, your return ticket will be half off. Your weekend trip will need to be a return ticket departing from Friday after 19:00 and returning by Sunday. 

Also, there are multi-trip tickets and discounts for travelers under 26.

Travelling by bus in Belgium

For nearby places, you can travel by a regional bus provider.

You can also get around Belgium by bus. There are regional buses and intercity buses. Generally, buses will be cheaper than trains, but the trip duration will be longer. 

In the Flemish part of Belgium, you can check out the maps and the prices of the regional bus provider DeLijn.

For the Wallonia region, the regional bus is TEC.

Cycling in Belgium

Did I already tell you how much I like the cycling culture in Belgium?

Belgium is a flat and bike-friendly country, with thousands of kilometers of bike lanes, making it ideal for cycling.

If you want to feel like a local exploring Brussels, you can rent a city bike at many stations around the town.

The first 30 minutes are free, and after that, you can return the bike and take it out again, or you have to pay 0,5€ per 30 minutes.

Best cities to visit in Belgium

Belgium is not a large country, and it is possible to discover the best of Belgium in one week following this itinerary!

The North part of Belgium is Dutch-speaking, while the South speaks French.

You will also notice the difference in architecture between Flanders and Wallonia. To get the best experience of Belgium, I suggest you visit some cities in both parts!

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the European Union.

I like backpacking Brussels, while it is the capital and the biggest city in Belgium, it does not feel like a huge city.

With 2 days in Brussels, you can visit all the tourist spots in the city.

The best way to discover the city is to join one of many free walking tours.

Free walking tours are a great way to learn more about the history of the city and discover some hidden spots you would not notice otherwise.

The city center of Brussels is walkable, but you can rent a bike and discover some of the sights that are further away from the city center, such as Atomium. 

Bruges

Bruges is the most visited place in Belgium, after the capital. And for a good reason!

Bruges is a real-life fairytale city. You will find yourself lost in the maze of cobblestone streets and picturesque bridges.

If you want to avoid the crowds, consider spending a night in Bruges and exploring the city in the morning.

Bruges is especially magical when it is decorated for Christmas and it should be on your Christmas Market itinerary!

Ghent

Ghent is best known as a university city, about a 45-minute train ride away from Brussels.

This medieval town is often overshadowed by Bruges, making it a real hidden gem.

Some of the best things to add to your Ghent itinerary are UNESCO-recognized Belfry, the stunning old Port area around Saint Michael’s church, and Gravensteen Castle.

Antwerp

Antwerp is the second biggest city in Belgium and a popular location for young professionals. Because of its young population, it is a vibrant and lively city.

The city has a long history as the world’s capital of diamonds and the world’s fifth-largest port.

Like in other Belgian cities, you can enjoy strolling on cobblestone streets admiring the architecture. 

Knokke-Heist

Knokke-Heist is not that impressive by itself, but it is the starting point of the Belgian coastal tram. It is a perfect getaway to enjoy the long tram ride along the Belgian coast.

It is also a popular summer destination for Belgians as it is possible to swim and enjoy kilometres of sandy beaches.

Leuven

Leuven, a vibrant university city just 30 minutes by train from Brussels, is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, where I studied during my university years.

Some of the best things to do in Leuven include visiting the stunning Town Hall (Stadhuis), the University Library, UNESCO-listed Klein and Groot Begijnhof.

Did you know that Leuven is home to Stella Artois Brewery? The best way to enjoy this local specialty is at the world’s longest bar – Oude Markt.

Namur And Dinant

Dinant and Namur are usually visited together, as they are both small towns and rather close to each other.

Namur is the capital of the Wallonia region and the perfect place to explore the French-speaking region of Belgium. You can explore the impressive citadel towering over the city.

Dinant is best known as the birthplace of the saxophone inventor. It is worth a visit to admire how this small city managed to squeeze between dramatic cliffs on one side and a river on the other!

Best Things To Do In Belgium For Backpackers

1. Join free walking tours

I love free walking tours. If there is a free walking tour where in the city I am visiting I will probably join them.

It is the best way to learn more about the place you visit from locals who are very knowledgeable and passionate about their cities.

2. Take your student card and take advantage of youth discounts

If you are a student, you will want to pack your student card.

Most of the attractions in Belgium offer a hefty student discount, and you can even enter some places for free!

If you are under 26, you can take advantage of the significant discounts on transportation.

3. Try walking everywhere

Public transport is not expensive, but Belgian cities are very walkable.

Not only will you be hitting your step goals, but you will also see so much more of the cities. 

4. Admire the architecture

This one goes hand in hand with the previous suggestion.

I love how picturesque Belgian houses are, especially in smaller towns like Leuven and Bruges. 

Also, seeing Belgian towns decorated for Christmas should be on your winter in Europe bucket list.

5. Swim in the North Sea

Belgium might not be on the top of your list when it comes to summer holiday destinations, but it is possible to swim in the Belgian North Sea in summer!

It is quite popular, so make your way to the Belgian coastline and take swimming in the North Sea off your bucket list!

6. Try Belgian specialties

You can not visit Belgium without trying Belgian fries, waffles, and chocolate.

Check out the HappyCow app to find vegan options so you do not feel like you are missing out if you’re vegan!

7. Try Belgian beer

Beer is a part of Belgian culture and the cheapest alcoholic drink in Belgian bars.

You will notice that beer menus are very long, so you should be able to find the one you like.

If you are not a beer lover, how about trying some cherry beer? I told you, there are many options!

You can even join a guided Beer tasting tour of Brussels! A knowledgeable local will point you in the right direction to taste the most iconic Belgian beers.

8. Bring a water bottle

There are water fountains everywhere. Refilling your water bottle will save you money and the environment by reducing plastic waste.

9. Pack an umbrella or a raincoat

Belgian weather is very unpredictable. Even on a summer day, you can experience a brief shower.

If you do not want the rain to stop you from exploring pack a small umbrella or a raincoat in your backpack!

best hostels in Belgium for backpackers

Accommodation in Belgium is not cheap, and you can expect Western European prices.

Hostel dorm beds go from 20€ up to 50€ a night!

Generally, I recommend staying close to the city center as you will be able to walk everywhere.

Should you base yourself in Brussels or not?

Belgium is a relatively small country and you can reach most places from Brussels within 2 hours.

Therefore, you might consider basing yourself in Brussels and visiting the rest of the country on day trips from Brussels.

That works, but it is not necessary.

Firstly, hostels are even cheaper outside of Bruxelles in Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp.

Secondly, most people visit Bruges and Ghent on a day trip, so you’ll find that you have the cities all for yourself when you spend the night over there!

Best Belgium Hostels:

• Best backpacker hostel in Brussels: Latroupe Grand Place
• Best backpacker hostel in Ghent: Hostel Uppelink
• Best backpacker hostel in Bruges: St. Christophers Inn – Bauhaus Hostel
• Best backpacker hostel in Antwerp: Yust Antwerp

Vegan Restaurants In Belgium

Belgium is surprisingly vegan-friendly. While traditional Belgian cuisine is not very vegan-friendly, there are numerous vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants countrywide.

In big cities like Brussels and Antwerp, you will be spoilt for choice with vegan options.

Check out the HappyCow app to see the most up-to-date selection of vegan-friendly restaurants. 

Most cafes offer plant-based milk. However, most still upcharge for that option. 

If you plan to cook your own meals, you’ll be happy to know that Belgian supermarkets offer plenty of vegan options. I especially love the selections at Delhaize and Albert Heijn.

I found it helpful to see that many things are certified vegan or marked as vegan in Belgian supermarkets. It makes it much easier if you do not understand Dutch or French!

backpacking Belgium trip cost

How much money you need in Belgium will depend on your travel style. If you want to keep your budget low, you should expect to stay in hostel dorms and cook most of your meals. 

Budget anywhere from 60-100€ per day for backpacking in Belgium.

Hostel room is on average 25-35€ per night.

Hostels tend to be a little bit cheaper in Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp than in Brussels. Best-rated hostels are often around 30€ per night in high season.  

You should budget around 20€ for a return train ticket to get around Belgium. Take advantage of any discounts if you qualify!

A cheap lunch type of meal in a restaurant will cost you on average 12€.

If you decide to cook for yourself, you will need roughly 50€ per week for groceries.

Coffee or matcha latte in a cafe is anywhere from 3 to 6€.

A beer in a bar will cost you anywhere from 4-8€, while cocktails are around 10€.

Your Belgium travel budget will differ depending on your travel style and how much you want to eat and drink outside.

Is Belgium safe for solo female travellers?

Belgium is generally a safe country for solo female travelers, but like any destination, it’s important to stay aware.

While most areas are safe, some parts of Brussels, like the North train station, are known for pickpocketing and petty theft, so keep your valuables secure.

Common sense is key—avoid risky situations like walking alone intoxicated. I

’ve taken late-night Flixbuses from Brussels without issue, but if you’re traveling solo, consider avoiding buses that depart or arrive late at night.

Stay cautious, trust your instincts, and you’ll have a great time exploring Belgium!