Discover Charleroi: A 5-Day Budget Adventure

Discover Charleroi's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Charleroi, Belgium is a hidden gem for budget travelers looking to explore Europe. With a variety of free attractions such as the modern art museum, UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Belfries and the stunning lakeside park, there's something for everyone. For those looking for a bite to eat, food trucks dot the city, offering delicious cuisine at affordable prices.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Charleroi on a Budget

  • Check into Hotel Leonardo Charleroi, a simple yet comfortable option for those on a tight budget.
  • Visit Charleroi's beautiful Town Hall, admire the stunning architecture and learn about the city's history.
  • Stroll through the Parc de la Bouverie and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Grab a bite to eat at La Table d'Elsa, a charming café that serves delicious Belgian cuisine.
  • End the day with a visit to Musée de la Photographie, a must-see for photography enthusiasts.
Day 2

Discovering Art in Charleroi

  • Start the day at the famous Marché de Charleroi, a bustling market where locals sell fresh produce and handicrafts.
  • Head to Le Bois du Cazier, a museum that tells the story of the region's industrial heritage.
  • Enjoy lunch at La Table de Maximum, a cosy brasserie that serves mouth-watering dishes.
  • Visit the majestic Palais des Beaux-Arts, which showcases an impressive collection of art from the 19th and 20th century.
  • End the day at Memento, a hip bar that offers a great selection of Belgian beers.
Day 3

Exploring the Surrounding Countryside

  • Rent a bike and cycle along the Ravel trail, a picturesque route that takes you through the Belgian countryside.
  • Visit the Abbaye de Villers, a well-preserved monastery that dates back to the 12th century.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Domaine de l'Escaille, a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Take a leisurely walk through the nearby Bois du Caillou, a peaceful forest.
  • Head to Bistro Cocotte for a delicious dinner of local specialties.
Day 4

Excursions to Nearby Attractions

  • Take a day trip to the medieval city of Mons, home to impressive architecture and beautiful parks.
  • Explore the stunning Grand Place and the magnificent gothic church of Sainte-Waudru.
  • Visit the Mundaneum, a fascinating museum that houses an incredible collection of documents and archives.
  • Enjoy lunch at Aux Tanneurs, an iconic brasserie that has served the city's locals since 1891.
  • End your day with a visit to the charming town of Binche, famous for its UNESCO-listed carnival.
Day 5

Shopping and Relaxation in Charleroi

  • Spend the morning shopping at City Nord, one of the biggest shopping centres in Belgium.
  • Relax in the afternoon at the Aquacentre, a state-of-the-art spa that offers a range of treatments.
  • Enjoy dinner at Le Bistro de JeanPhi, a popular restaurant that serves delicious French-inspired cuisine.
  • End the night at the cosy Belch'café, a lively bar that offers a great selection of drinks.
  • Charleroi may not be the most well-known Belgian city, but it certainly has plenty to offer those looking for an interesting and affordable vacation. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings, Charleroi is a hidden gem that definitely deserves a visit.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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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

Charleroi: A Family-Friendly Adventure Packed with Delights

Charleroi, Belgium offers a family-friendly trip with a mix of historical charm and fun activities. Explore the city's impressive comic strip art scene with a visit to the Centre de la Bande Dessinée, where kids can delve into the world of famous Belgian cartoon characters. Enjoy a day at the Parc de Parentville, a beautiful green oasis perfect for picnics, playgrounds, and leisurely walks, creating lasting memories for the whole family.

A Charming Long Weekend in Charleroi, Belgium

Charleroi, Belgium may not be the first place you think of for a romantic getaway, but it's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Visit the breathtaking Belfry of Charleroi, enjoy a romantic walk along the river Sambre, and indulge in local Belgian cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants in the city. With its charm and beauty, Charleroi is the perfect destination for a unique and unforgettable romantic trip.

Charleroi, Belgium: The Ultimate Weekend Getaway

Charleroi is a small, industrial city located in Wallonia, Belgium. As a tourist, you can explore the city's rich history, architecture, and cultural offerings. From the unique art exhibitions, picturesque parks and gardens, and incredible cuisine, there's something for everyone to experience and enjoy during their stay in Charleroi.

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.