Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Bruges
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $56-142 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Bruges
Accommodation
$25-60 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, or simple private rooms with shared bathrooms
Food & Dining
$20-45 per day
Self-catering from supermarkets, local bakeries, street food, and occasional casual dining at local eateries
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Walking everywhere, occasional city buses, and bicycle rentals for longer distances
Activities
$8-25 per day
Free walking tours, church visits, canal-side walks, and one or two paid museum entries
Currency: € Euro
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Bruges
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Shop at local supermarkets and bakeries instead of tourist-area cafes for 60-70% savings on food costs
Walk or cycle everywhere instead of taking taxis - Bruges city center is compact and easily walkable
Visit churches and climb bell towers for panoramic views at fraction of commercial tour prices
Buy chocolate directly from local chocolatiers rather than tourist shops for 30-50% better value
Book accommodation outside peak summer months for 40-60% lower rates
Take advantage of museum combination tickets when visiting multiple attractions
Eat lunch at local brasseries instead of dinner for same quality food at 30-40% lower prices
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Eating exclusively in the main tourist squares where prices are typically 100-150% higher than local areas
Taking taxis for short distances instead of walking in this very compact medieval city
Buying Belgian chocolate from tourist gift shops instead of actual chocolatiers, paying premium for lower quality