Visiting the capital of Belgium soon and wondering if the Brussels card is worth it for tourists? Well, that depends on your travel style. If you prefer to wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere rather than visit many museums, you might not get your money’s worth. So, it’s a good idea to make a list of what you want to see and do in Brussels. Then, compare the total cost to the price of the card. This will help you decide if it’s the right choice for your trip.
Table of Contents
- What is the Brussels Card?
- Types of Brussels Cards
- Where to Purchase Your Brussels Card
- Brussels Card App and City Map
- Benefits of the Brussels Card for Budget Travelers
- Making the Most of the Brussels Card
- Tips for First-Time Visitors and Short Trips
- Evaluating the Value of the Brussels Card
- So, Is the Brussels Card Worth It?
- Additional Perks and Info
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How much money can I save with a Brussels Card as a budget traveler?
- Can I use the Brussels Card for discounts at local shops and restaurants?
- Is public transportation included with the purchase of a Brussels Card?
- How does the Brussels Museum Pass differ from the Brussels Card?
- Are there any budget-friendly tips for making the most out of the Brussels Card?
- How to use the Brussels Card at museums and attractions
- How can I pick up my STIB transportation pass?
What is the Brussels Card?
The Brussels Card is a pass that gives you free entry to 49 museums in the city. You can choose cards that last 24, 48, or 72 hours. With the card, you skip ticket lines at many places. This saves you time and money on your trip.
The card also gives you discounts at some shops and restaurants. You can use it to see famous spots like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. But keep in mind, some popular places like the Atomium aren’t included.
Types of Brussels Cards
There are several Brussels Card options to pick from:
- Basic Brussels Card: 49 Museums + Discounts (24, 48, or 72 hours)
- Brussels Card + Discounts + STIB (includes public transport such as Trams, Buses, and metro within Brussels City)
The basic card starts at €33 for 24 hours. The 48-hour card is €45, and the 72-hour card is €51.
If you want to use buses and trains too, you can get the card with STIB. It costs a bit more but covers all your travel needs. The 24-hour card with STIB is €41.50, the 48-hour is €61, and the 72-hour is €71.30.
| Card Type | 24 Hours | 48 Hours | 72 Hours | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Brussels Card | €33 | €45 | €51 | Access to 49 museums, discounts on guided tours, shops, and restaurants. |
| Brussels Card + STIB | €41.50 | €61 | €71.30 | Access to 49 museums, discounts on guided tours, shops, and restaurants, plus unlimited use of trams, buses, and metros within Brussels city. |
Where to Purchase Your Brussels Card
You can buy your Brussels Card in a few ways:
- Online before your trip
- At tourist info points in Brussels
- At some museums and attractions
Buying online is easy and lets you plan ahead. You can print your card or keep it on your phone. If you prefer, you can get a physical card when you arrive in Brussels.
Some hotels also sell the card. Ask at your front desk if you’re staying in the city center.
Brussels Card App and City Map
The Brussels Card comes with a free app. It’s a handy tool for your visit. The app has:
- A list of all included museums
- Opening hours for attractions
- A map to help you find your way
- Information on restaurants, cafes, and shops that offer discounts
- The ability to store your card in the app, making it easy to show at museums
- Offline functionality so you don’t need to worry about data
You also get a paper map with your card. It shows where all the museums are. The map is great for planning your days in Brussels.
Benefits of the Brussels Card for Budget Travelers
The Brussels Card can save you money and time while exploring the city. It gives you free entry to museums, unlimited public transport, and discounts at shops and restaurants.
Free Entry to Top Attractions
With the Brussels Card, you can visit 49 museums for free. This includes popular spots like the Museum of the City of Brussels, the Belgian Comic Strip Center, Auto World, Train World, and the list is long.
You don’t have to pay separate entry fees at each place, just show your Brussels card at the entrance and you are good to. This saves you money and lets you see more without worrying about costs.
The card is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. You can visit as many museums as you want during that time.
Unlimited Public Transportation
If you get the Brussels Card + STIB option, it will give you unlimited rides on buses, trams, and metros. You don’t need to buy separate tickets or figure out fares.
Public transport in Brussels can be expensive if you buy single tickets. With the card, you can hop on and off as much as you want. This is great for seeing different neighborhoods of the city. It also saves you money if you plan to use public transport a lot.
Discounts on Shopping and Dining
The Brussels Card offers more than just museums and transport. You can get discounts at many shops and restaurants too. This helps you save on unique souvenirs, meals, and local treats.
Discounts vary, but they can help stretch your budget. You might get 10% off at a chocolate shop or a special deal at a restaurant. These savings add up, especially on longer trips.
The card also gives you discounts on some tours and attractions. This can help you experience more of Brussels without spending too much.
Making the Most of the Brussels Card
The Brussels Card can be a great way to see the city on a budget. Here are some tips to get the most value and enjoy your visit.
Planning Your Itinerary with the Brussels Card
Start by making a list of the places you want to see. Check which ones are covered by the card. Group nearby attractions together to save time.
Try to visit the most expensive museums first. This helps you get your money’s worth quickly. Some top picks are the Musical Instruments Museum and the Magritte Museum.
Don’t forget to leave time for wandering. Brussels has beautiful streets and squares to explore. The card includes a walking tour map to help you discover hidden gems.
Note that you have one year to activate the card from the date you bought it. So you have plenty of time to plan your trip. However, once you use it, your Brussels card will be activated.
Special Offers and Guided Tours
Your Brussels Card comes with some extra perks. As mentioned previously, you can get discounts at many restaurants and shops. Look for the “Brussels Card Welcome” sticker in windows.
Some attractions offer free guided tours with your card. The City Museum and Coudenberg Palace are great options. These tours can really bring the city’s history to life.
You can also add a hop-on hop-off bus tour to your card. It’s a fun way to see the city and rest your feet between museums.
You also get awesome discounts on chocolate-tasting tours. It’s a tasty way to experience a big part of Belgian culture.
Tips for First-Time Visitors and Short Trips
If you’re only in Brussels for a day or two, focus on the main sights. The Musée Magritte Museum, Atonium, Train World, and Royal Museums of Fine Arts are must-sees. There are many other great museums to discover, which you’ll be able to choose with the Brussels card app.
Use public transport to save time. You can add this to your Brussels Card for a small fee. It’s much faster than walking everywhere.
Pick up a city map when you get your card. Circle the places you want to visit and plan the best route.
Try to start early in the morning. Many museums open at 10 am. This gives you more time to explore before they close.
Be aware that some museums in Brussels can be closed on Mondays. So always check the website of the museum or attraction you plan to visit.
Evaluating the Value of the Brussels Card
The Brussels Card offers perks for tourists, but is it worth the cost? Let’s look at the numbers and see if it makes sense for your trip.
Comparing Costs with and Without the Card
Without the Brussels Card, you’ll pay full price for museums and attractions. For instance, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts costs €10, the Atomium is €16, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center is €12. A day pass for public transport, valid for 24 hours, costs about €8.
Let’s say you visit three attractions, which is likely. This would cost you over €33, plus the €8 for the day pass, bringing your total to around €41—without any discounts on restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.
With a 24-hour Brussels Card, you pay €33. This includes free entry to many museums and discounts at others. You can also add public transport for an additional €8, allowing unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metros throughout Brussels. Plus, you get fantastic discounts at cafes, shops, guided tours, and restaurants.
For a 2-day trip, the 48-hour card costs €45. Adding transport brings the total to €61. This could save you money if you plan to visit 5 or 6 museums and use public transit. If you stay longer, the 72-hour Brussels card will definitely be more advantageous for you.
| Description | Cost Without Brussels Card | Cost With 24-Hour Brussels Card | Cost With 48-Hour Brussels Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Museums of Fine Arts | €10 | Free (with card) | Free (with card) |
| Atomium | €16 | Free (with card) | Free (with card) |
| Belgian Comic Strip Center | €12 | Free (with card) | Free (with card) |
| Total for 3 Attractions | €38 (approx.) | €33 (card cost) | €45 (card cost) |
| Public Transport (24-hour pass) | €8 | €8 (optional add-on) | €8 (optional add-on) |
| Total Cost | €46 (approx.) | €41 | €61 |
| Discounts on Cafes, Shops, Tours | None | Yes | Yes |
So, Is the Brussels Card Worth It?
The card’s value depends on your plans. If you want to see lots of museums, it’s a good deal. You’d need to visit about 3 to 4 places in a day to break even.
It’s less useful if you prefer walking or only want to see 1-2 sites. In that case, paying as you go might be cheaper.
Think about your must-see spots. Make a quick list of places you want to visit. Add up their entry fees. Don’t forget about transport costs. Compare this total to the card’s price like in the table above.
If you’re unsure, start with a 24-hour card. You can always buy more days if you find it helpful.
Additional Perks and Info
The Brussels Card offers more than just museum access. It comes with extra benefits and important details to keep in mind for your trip.
Accessibility and Operating Hours of Attractions
Most places included in the Brussels Card are open daily. But opening times can vary. Some museums close on Mondays or have shorter hours in winter.
It’s a good idea to check the hours of places you want to visit. This helps you plan your days better. Many attractions are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
Some popular spots, like the Atomium, might have long lines. With your Brussels Card, you can skip these queues. This saves you time for more sightseeing.
Validity and Usage of the Card
This is already mentioned above, but I repeat it, your Brussels Card is valid one year from the day you got it and starts working when you first use it. It’s then valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, depending on which one you bought.
You can visit each attraction once with your card. Just show it at the entrance. Some places might ask for ID too, so keep that handy.
As mentioned several times, the card also gives you discounts at some restaurants and shops, but it’s always good to remember it. These deals are listed in a guidebook you get with your card. Make sure to look through it for extra savings.
Remember, your card is personal. You can’t share it with others. But it’s a flexible way to explore Brussels on your own schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many budget travelers have questions about the Brussels Card. Here are some key things to know about saving money, included attractions, and making the most of the card.
How much money can I save with a Brussels Card as a budget traveler?
You can save quite a bit with a Brussels Card. The exact amount depends on how many attractions you visit. If you go to 3-4 museums per day, you’ll likely save €20-30 per day compared to buying separate tickets, expensive meals, and souvenirs.
Can I use the Brussels Card for discounts at local shops and restaurants?
Yes, you can get discounts at some shops and restaurants with your Brussels Card. The savings are usually around 10-25% off. It’s a nice perk for budget travelers looking to save on meals and tours.
Is public transportation included with the purchase of a Brussels Card?
Public transit isn’t automatically included. You can add it for an extra fee. A 24-hour transit pass costs about €8 on top of the regular Brussels Card price. It’s worth it if you plan to use buses and metros a lot.
How does the Brussels Museum Pass differ from the Brussels Card?
The Museum Pass only covers museum entry. The Brussels Card includes museums plus other attractions and discounts. The Museum Pass is cheaper but more limited. The Brussels Card offers more variety for a higher price.
Are there any budget-friendly tips for making the most out of the Brussels Card?
Plan your days carefully to visit the priciest attractions. Go to 4 or 5 museums each day to maximize savings, which is easily doable. Use the included map to find nearby sights. Take advantage of restaurant discounts for cheaper meals. Consider adding public transit if you’ll use it often.
How to use the Brussels Card at museums and attractions
To use the Brussels Card at museums and attractions, just show your card at the entrance. It gives you free entry to many museums and discounts on others. Check the list of included places to make the most of your visit. You can also use the Brussels Card app for help with participating sites.
How can I pick up my STIB transportation pass?
To collect your STIB transportation pass, you can follow these steps:
- Purchase Online: If you bought your pass online, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to pick it up.
- GO Ticket Machines: You can collect your pass from one of the 375 GO ticket machines located in metro stations and major bus and tram stops. Simply follow the prompts on the screen to retrieve your pass using your order number or event passcode.
- STIB Service Points: Alternatively, you can visit an STIB service point at various locations in Brussels to collect your pass in person.
Make sure to have your identification and any necessary confirmation details with you when collecting your pass.
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