Under $100: Brussels, Belgium

The home of waffles, chocolate and some of the world’s best beer doesn’t have to drain your travel budget (although it may derail your diet plans). Belgium’s capital city and the headquarters of the European Union offers a plethora of wallet-friendly sights and experiences.

Kick off the day with a café au lait and croissant at nearly any Brussels café where the price for a coffee hovers around $3 to $4. Next, beat the crowds to the Grand Place, Brussels’ majestic town square, home to colorful flower beds and the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). Take a seat and sip your coffee as you people watch while simultaneously marveling in the street performers.

Just around the corner on Rue Duquesnoy is Tonton Garby, a small sandwicherie with an owner whose life passion is crafting the perfect sandwich. Add some extra time to your itinerary as the owner takes his time with each culinary creation.

After lunch, stop by the Galeries Royale Saint-Hubert where shops and restaurants reside under a stunning glass ceiling, the first of its kind in Europe when it debuted. If the sun is out, opt instead to visit the Parc du Cinquantenaire, an urban oasis with walking paths, sculptures, a running track and a few museums, including the Armed Forces Museum and the Art and History Museum. The park is accented on the east end by a triumphal arch commissioned by Leopold II.

Round out the day with authentic Flemish cuisine at Het Goudblommeke La Fleur, where the menu represents the region with its hearty dishes like vol-au-vent, all washed down with Belgium’s finest brews.