Brussels is the largest city in Belgium and home to the EU parliament. It's also a major business hub?which means it's expensive since it caters to wealthy visitors. Attractions are on the expensive side and everyday items like transportation and food can be expensive.

Brussels is generally considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists in 2026, sitting somewhere between the high costs of London or Paris and the more budget-friendly cities in Eastern Europe. A typical daily budget for a mid-range traveler is approximately €150 to €180 per person, covering a stay in a 3-star hotel, two meals at local bistros, and entry to one or two museums. Dining out can be costly, especially in the "tourist traps" surrounding the Grand Place, but savvy travelers can find value in local "frietkots" (fry stands) and authentic waffle shops. Public transport is efficiently priced, especially with the use of contactless "tap-and-go" payments which offer daily caps. However, Brussels is a major diplomatic and business hub; during weeks when the European Parliament is in session, hotel prices can spike significantly due to high demand from officials and lobbyists. For those on a budget, visiting during the weekend—when business travelers have gone home—often yields much better rates at 4-star hotels in the European Quarter that would otherwise be out of reach.