Charleroi on a Budget: 3 Days of Fun

Experience Charleroi's hidden gems without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Charleroi, Belgium offers affordable accommodations, local street food and free attractions. A visit to the BPS22 Art Museum and the Photography Museum are a must-see, as well as taking a walk through the beautiful Bois du Cazier park. Traveling on foot and using public transportation can help keep costs low during your trip.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Charleroi: The Industrial Hub

  • Check in at affordable Hotel Ibis Charleroi Centre Ville
  • Get a taste of Charleroi's history at the Photography Museum
  • Catch a free art show at Maison de la Culture, Charleroi's modern theatre
  • Discover Charleroi's street art scene by exploring its alleys and sidestreets
  • Savor delicious Belgian fries and beer at Chez Gabriel, a local must-try eatery
Day 2

Hidden Gems of Charleroi

  • Start the day with a lazy stroll around the Bois du Cazier, a former coal mine turned museum
  • Admire the stunning stained glass windows at Chapelle Saint Roch
  • Get lost in the eclectic Collégiale Saint-Ursmer, a gothic-style church
  • Pay a visit to the Charleroi Nature Park and revel in the beauty of nature
  • Grab a sandwich at Pâtisserie Dunkler, a renowned bakery since 1817
Day 3

A Day Trip to Waterloo

  • Hop on a train to Waterloo and visit the battlefield where Napoleon was defeated
  • Explore the Wellington Museum and learn about the famous battle
  • Climb the Lion's Mound for stunning panoramic views of the countryside
  • Lunch at La Sucrerie, a charming restaurant in a former sugar refinery
  • Stroll around Waterloo's charming city center before heading back to Charleroi
  • Charleroi's legacy as an industrial hub does not detract from its charm and uniqueness. From its thriving street art to its hidden gems, this city has a lot to offer. And with a hearty meal and a cozy bed at the end of each day, your stay in Charleroi is sure to be a memorable one.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Charleroi, Belgium by plane is to fly into Brussels South Charleroi Airport. There are several budget airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, that operate flights from various European cities to this airport.

Car

The best way to get to Charleroi, Belgium by car is to take the E19 highway from Brussels. The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Train

There is a train station in Charleroi called Charleroi-Sud. The best way to get there by train is to take a high-speed train from Brussels or Paris. From Brussels, the journey takes around one hour, with multiple trains running daily.

Boat

There are no boats that operate to Charleroi, Belgium as it is an inland city. The closest port cities are Antwerp and Rotterdam, both of which are located in the Netherlands.

Bus

One of the best ways to get to Charleroi, Belgium by bus is to take an express bus from Brussels. There are several bus companies, such as Flixbus and Ouibus, that operate daily services between the two cities.

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