Cheap Brussels from Atlanta: an all-in getaway from ~$643
Photo: Unsplash · images.unsplash.com/photo-1548092304-e0205cb0031bBrussels rewards travellers who like their culture rich and their spending light. From Atlanta it is only 10h27 by plane, close enough for a long weekend yet different enough to feel like a proper trip abroad, with the grandeur of the Grand-Place, the odd charm of Manneken Pis and the space-age Atomium all within easy reach.
This is a city built for grazing on a budget. Belgian fries from a corner friterie, a waffle eaten on the move and a local beer in a wood-panelled cafe cost far less than a sit-down meal, and many of the best sights (the Grand-Place, the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, the EU quarter) cost nothing at all to enjoy.
The all-in budget, line by line
Indicative estimate for 2 nights, 1 traveler. A range, never a firm price.
Getting there from Atlanta
- From
- Atlanta (ATL)
- To
- Brussels (BRU)
- Mode
- Flight
- Est. duration
- ~10h27
- Distance
- ~7 090 km
Duration and distance are indicative (as the crow flies). Book early and target weekday departures to cut the transport cost.
Doing Brussels on a budget
Some of the finest experiences here are free: wander the UNESCO-listed Grand-Place, browse the glass-roofed Royal Galleries Saint-Hubert and hunt for bargains at the daily flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles. Fill up cheaply on street food, a paper cone of fries with sauce, a waffle or a Belgian beer in a traditional cafe rather than a tourist restaurant. The Parlamentarium at the European Parliament is free to visit, and picnicking in Parc du Cinquantenaire keeps costs down on a sunny day.
Getting around and where to base yourself
After arriving from Atlanta in 10h27 by plane, you will find the historic centre compact and very walkable, so you can reach the Grand-Place, the cathedral and the Sablon on foot. For anything further, the STIB network of metro, tram and bus is cheap and easy, and a day pass usually works out better value than single tickets. Stay near the centre for convenience, or pick lively, more affordable neighbourhoods like Saint-Gilles or Ixelles for a local feel and better value on food and drink.
Choosing when to go
Late spring and early autumn tend to bring the mildest weather and lighter crowds, making them comfortable times to explore on foot. Brussels sees plenty of rain year-round, so pack a light waterproof whatever the season. Winter is quieter and cheaper outside the Christmas market period, while summer is busier but lively, with long evenings on the city's squares and terraces.
What to do in Brussels?
Museums, neighbourhoods, must-sees: here's what to see on site.
What to do in Brussels: see the guide →Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours via our partners.
Best time to go
For Brussels, aim for May, June, July, August, September: nice weather and still-reasonable prices.
Ready for Brussels?
See the full guide: what to do, where to stay, and the all-in weekend budget.
See the full guide →Reach Brussels from another city
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