4 Days of Fun: Exploring Charleroi on a Budget

Discover the charm of Charleroi—a perfect family getaway in Belgium.

19 July 2023

Charleroi, Belgium offers a delightful family-friendly trip with a perfect blend of history and fun activities. Families can explore the impressive Charleroi City Hall and visit the intriguing Musée de la Photographie for an enriching cultural experience. Additionally, kids will enjoy spending time at BPS22, a contemporary art space, or having a thrilling day at the Walibi Belgium amusement park just a short drive away.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Hidden Gems

  • Start your day with a visit to the bustling Rive Gauche Market, where locals gather to hunt for fresh produce, cheese, and other treasures.
  • Immerse yourself in the alternative art scene at the Photographie Museum, showcasing captivating exhibitions that will make you see the world through a different lens.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Quai de Brabant, a picturesque riverside promenade lined with charming cafes and colorful street art.
  • Indulge in a delectable lunch at Aux Berges de la Dyle, a quaint brasserie serving authentic Belgian cuisine amidst a cozy atmosphere.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Bois du Cazier, a coal mine turned museum, and delve into Charleroi's industrial past with interactive exhibits.
  • End your day with a cozy dinner at La Manufacture Urbaine, a trendy restaurant offering a fusion of flavors, where food becomes a work of art.
Day 2

Historical Charms and Castle Tales

  • Immerse yourself in history at the Charleroi City Hall, an architectural gem with exquisite murals and a panoramic view from the bell tower.
  • Discover the mystical Château de Monceau-sur-Sambre, a charming fortress enveloped in lush greenery and a moat straight out of a fairytale.
  • Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at L'Epicerie du Clocher, a hidden gem serving traditional Belgian dishes with a modern twist in a charming setting.
  • Unleash your inner child at the Spirouland amusement park, home to thrilling rides, colorful characters, and laughter-inducing attractions.
  • End your day with a visit to the Maison Dorée, a historic and beautifully restored Art Nouveau gem, where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage.
Day 3

Art and Adventure

  • Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the BPS22, Charleroi's Museum of Contemporary Art, where you'll encounter thought-provoking exhibits and interactive installations.
  • Embark on an adventure at the Natura Parc, an exhilarating treetop adventure park featuring zip lines, suspended bridges, and breathtaking nature trails.
  • Refuel with a scrumptious lunch at Le Charbon, a trendy bistro offering a unique fusion of flavors inspired by worldwide cuisines.
  • Wander through the Charleroi Adventure Mine and discover the secrets of coal mining firsthand, guided by passionate ex-miners.
  • Indulge in a leisurely dinner at La Manufacture Charleroi, a charming restaurant specializing in organic, farm-to-table dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Day 4

Nature and Farewell

  • Kickstart your day with a visit to the Bois de la Cambre, a picturesque park perfect for picnics, boat rides, and leisurely walks amidst enchanting greenery.
  • Discover the majestic Le Palais des Beaux-Arts, Belgium's largest cultural venue housing an impressive collection of fine art, sculptures, and exhibitions.
  • Savor a delicious lunch at Le Panier d'Eglantine, a cozy restaurant tucked away in a charming courtyard, known for its homemade traditional Belgian cuisine.
  • Take a peaceful boat ride along the Charleroi-Brussels Canal, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside.
  • Bid farewell to Charleroi with a visit to Place Charles II, the city's central square, bustling with cafes and shops, where you can grab a souvenir to remember your time in this hidden gem.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Charleroi

Once upon a time, there was a city in Europe that was known for its quirky charm, delicious beer, and a football team that always seemed to lose. This is the story of Charleroi, a place where you can feel like a local even if you don't speak the language and where the locals don't really care about the football team anyway.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Charming Charleroi: A Four-Day Budget Travel Guide

Charleroi, Belgium offers many affordable attractions, such as the Photography Museum and the Glass Museum, both of which charge minimal admission fees. Many tourists on a budget also enjoy exploring the local street art scene and browsing the city's weekly flea market. Staying in budget accommodations such as hostels or low-cost hotels can make the trip to Charleroi even more affordable.

A Romantic Weekend in Charming Charleroi, Belgium

Charleroi, Belgium is a hidden gem for a romantic getaway with its charming atmosphere and cobblestone streets. Take a stroll through the historic Place Charles II and indulge in decadent Belgian chocolates at local chocolateries. For a scenic view, climb the stairs to the top of the Belfry, where you can see panoramic views of the city.

Charleroi, Belgium: A Fun-Filled Weekend Itinerary

Charleroi, Belgium is a city known for its industrial past and rich art scene. As a tourist, you can explore its unique architecture, like the Art Nouveau-style houses and the iconic City Hall. You can also visit the Museum of Photography or take a day trip to nearby Brussels for more sightseeing.

Charleroi, Belgium: Embrace Quirky Charm and Family Fun

Charleroi, Belgium offers a diverse range of family-friendly activities that are bound to keep everyone entertained. Explore the magnificent Bois du Cazier, a former coalmine turned museum, which offers a unique insight into the industrial history of the region. Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque Sambre River, where kids can feed the ducks or try their hand at fishing, while parents can relax in the quaint cafes dotted along the waterfront.