What comes to mind when you think of Brussels? Boring bureaucratic buildings, grey skies and extortionate prices? Brussels reputation as being a dull, over priced place is a little harsh; this bilingual city may be the heart of bureaucratic Europe but it has a lot to offer tourists in the way of history, art, fine cuisine and even romance! Here are some tips for the budget conscious traveller on how to make the most of a couple of days in Brussels and hopefully dispel the myth that Brussels is all business and no play!

Getting around: Brussels is a great city for walking and I would highly recommend a ARAU walking tour. If you want to walk independently, pick up a map from the tourist board and use Grand Place as your starting point. If you are feeling a little lazy or the weather isn’t great, the local bus, tram and metro networks are good, cheap and efficient, you could even invest in a Brussels Card for 30 euros which combines unlimited access to public transport with free entry to certain places of interest for tourists.

Eating out: There is a lot more to Belgian cuisine than chips and chocolate, in fact I happen to think it is one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. Brussels is a real foodie’s paradise and there’s something for every budget here, from the cheap eats on Rue du Marche to any of the stunning bistros around Grand Place.

Accommodation: You won’t find many hostels but that is not to say that you won’t find any budget accommodation in Brussels. There are a range of decent yet cheap hotels in Brussels available in or around the centre at reasonable prices. Check if breakfast comes included in the price of the room as Belgian breakfasts are usually delicious and filling up for free before you head out is always a great money saver.

Entertainment: Brussels is brimming with museums and art galleries. If money is tight and you don’t have a Brussels Card, it’s worth knowing that the Museum of Ancient Art and the Modern Art Museum are both free in the afternoon on the first Wednesday of every month. And if you want to make your museum visit special, why not go on a Thursday evening when the doors are open until 10pm and the crowds are away.

Pretty cobbled streets, cosy pubs, delicious meals out, night time museum visits…who said Brussels was boring?