Discover the best of Belgium on a budget. Our guide to backpacking covers everything from Ardennes trails to historic city-hopping and affordable travel.
Belgium: a country of medieval towns, world-class beer, and surprisingly rugged nature. For the savvy backpacker, it’s a compact playground that packs a punch far above its weight class. Forget what you think you know. Beyond the postcard-perfect streets of Bruges and the bustling EU corridors of Brussels lies a land of adventure, accessible to anyone with a backpack and a thirst for discovery. Whether you're navigating the ancient forests of the Ardennes, tracing historic battle lines, or diving into the vibrant city life, backpacking in Belgium is an experience of contrasts.
What makes Belgium a backpacker's dream is its sheer density of experiences. You can wake up in a medieval university town, hike through a national park by lunchtime, and be sipping a Trappist ale in a monastery café by sundown. The country's excellent and affordable public transport network makes this not just possible, but easy. Forget long, gruelling travel days; in Belgium, the next adventure is rarely more than an hour away. This guide will help you navigate the cities, find the trails, and uncover the hidden gems that make Belgium a top-tier backpacking destination.
The classic Belgian trio of Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp forms a perfect triangle for any backpacker. Start in Brussels, the vibrant, multilingual heart of Europe. Beyond the Grand-Place and the Manneken Pis, you'll find a city teeming with street art, flea markets like the one on Place du Jeu de Balle, and countless affordable bars. For a taste of local life, explore the Marolles district or grab a waffle from a street vendor—it's a rite of passage.
Next, hop on a train to Ghent. Often considered the more authentic and less crowded cousin of Bruges, Ghent is a stunning medieval city that feels alive. The city centre is a car-free zone, perfect for exploring on foot. Climb the Belfry for panoramic views, discover the imposing Gravensteen castle, and simply wander along the Graslei and Korenlei canals. Hostels are plentiful, and the student population ensures a lively, budget-friendly atmosphere. Don't miss the 'vegetarische dag' (vegetarian day) on Thursdays, when many eateries offer special veggie menus.
Complete the triangle in Antwerp, a city of fashion, diamonds, and maritime history. It has a grittier, more modern edge than Ghent or Bruges. Explore the trendy Het Zuid district with its art galleries and cafes, marvel at the monumental central station (often called the 'Railway Cathedral'), and wander through the winding streets of the old town. For a unique experience, rent a bike and explore the port, one of the largest in the world.
Ready to trade cobblestones for forest trails? The Ardennes region in the south of Belgium is your gateway to the wild. This sparsely populated area of rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers is a paradise for hikers, kayakers, and anyone looking to connect with nature. The famous GR 5 trail runs through the region, but there are countless other well-marked paths for all levels.
Base yourself in a town like La Roche-en-Ardenne or Durbuy (often called the 'smallest city in the world'). From here, you can embark on day hikes, rent a kayak to paddle down the Ourthe river, or simply enjoy the tranquility. The High Fens (Hoge Venen - Hautes Fagnes), Belgium's largest nature reserve, offers a unique landscape of high moorland, peat bogs, and wooden boardwalks. It’s a surreal, often misty environment that feels a world away from the bustling cities. The best part? Wild camping is permitted in designated bivouac zones, making it a true budget-friendly wilderness experience.
The real joy of backpacking is discovering the unexpected. And Belgium has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. Visit Leuven, a vibrant university town with a stunning gothic town hall and what claims to be the longest bar in the world (the Oude Markt). It’s like a mini-Brussels without the tourist crowds. Or explore the coastline, which might be short but has charming towns like De Haan, with its Belle Époque architecture, and vast sandy beaches perfect for long walks.
For a dose of history, head to Ypres (Ieper) in Flanders Fields. The daily Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate is a profoundly moving experience that commemorates the soldiers of the First World War. You can rent a bike and follow the 'Peace Route' through the surrounding countryside, visiting cemeteries, memorials, and preserved trenches. It’s a sobering but essential part of understanding Belgium's past. These detours from the main tourist trail are where you'll find the most authentic experiences and connect with the country on a deeper level.
For most backpackers from the Netherlands or surrounding countries, getting to Belgium is incredibly easy and cheap. The Flixbus or BlaBlaCar Bus are often the cheapest options, with direct routes from cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Eindhoven to Antwerp and Brussels, sometimes for as little as €10. Alternatively, the international NS or SNCB trains offer more comfort and speed, connecting major Dutch cities with Antwerp and Brussels. If you book in advance, you can find very reasonable fares. Once you arrive in Antwerp or Brussels, you are plugged into the excellent Belgian rail network, your key to the rest of the country.
Here’s a concrete plan for a 7-day backpacking trip that balances urban exploration with a dose of nature. Day 1-2: Antwerp. Arrive at Antwerpen-Centraal station. Check into a hostel near the student area. Spend the afternoon exploring the historical center, including the Cathedral of Our Lady. The next day, rent a bike and cycle to the trendy Het Eilandje district and the impressive Port House. In the evening, explore the bars around the Ossenmarkt. Day 3-4: Ghent. Take a 50-minute train to Ghent. Settle in and immediately head out to walk along the canals. Climb the Belfry for sunset views. On day four, explore the Gravensteen castle in the morning and take a free walking tour to discover hidden alleyways and street art. Enjoy the nightlife in the student quarter.
Day 5-6: The Ardennes. From Ghent, take a train towards Liège and then a local train to a smaller town like Trois-Ponts (approx. 2.5 hours total). This is your gateway to the GR5 trail. Hike a section of the trail towards a designated bivouac zone like 'Les Tailles' (a 12km, 3-4 hour hike). Spend the night in your tent under the stars. The next day, hike back to a nearby town or bus stop and make your way to a hub like La Roche-en-Ardenne to enjoy a well-deserved local beer. Day 7: Brussels & departure. Take a train from the Ardennes to Brussels (approx. 2 hours). Depending on your departure time, store your luggage at the station and explore the Grand-Place and the nearby comic strip murals before heading home.
Many first-timers make a few avoidable mistakes. First, don't just visit Bruges. While beautiful, it's the most crowded and expensive city, and it can feel like a tourist theme park. Ghent offers a more authentic medieval city experience with better value for money. Second, don't underestimate the Ardennes. People think of Belgium as flat, but the Ardennes has genuinely challenging hills and dense forests. If you go hiking, wear proper hiking shoes, bring a map (or a reliable GPS app), and pack for rain, even in summer. Lastly, don't stick to the main squares for food and drink. This is a universal travel tip, but it's especially true in Belgium. The price difference for a beer or a meal just a few streets away from the main tourist hubs can be huge. Follow the locals, and your wallet will thank you.
Belgium can be very budget-friendly if you travel smart. By using train passes, staying in hostels, and eating at local frituurs and markets, you can keep your daily costs surprisingly low.
A week is a good amount of time to get a great taste of Belgium. This allows you to visit two or three major cities and perhaps take a day trip or a short hike in the Ardennes without feeling rushed.
The train is by far the best way to travel between cities in Belgium. The network is dense, trains are frequent, and special passes like the Go Pass (under 26) or Rail Pass make it very affordable.
Wild camping is generally not allowed, but there is a fantastic network of 'bivakzones' (bivouac zones). These are legal, free spots where you can pitch your tent for the night, mostly found in the Ardennes and other natural areas.
No, you don't need to be fluent, as English is very widely spoken, especially in the cities and among younger people. However, learning a few basic greetings in Dutch (in Flanders) and French (in Wallonia) is always appreciated by the locals.
Yes, Belgium is generally a very safe country for solo travelers. Just use common sense as you would in any other country, especially in big cities and train stations at night, by keeping an eye on your belongings.