Ultimate Bastogne Travel Guide

When to Visit Bastogne:

The best time to visit Bastogne is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the city is bustling with tourists. However, Bastogne can be visited throughout the year, as each season offers unique experiences and attractions.

Where to Stay Bastogne:

Bastogne offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. When visiting, don’t miss the opportunity to explore a restaurant Bastogne has to offer, perfect for enjoying local cuisine. Here are some popular neighborhoods to consider: 

City Center: The heart of Bastogne, known for its charming old town, museums, and historical landmarks, is an excellent option for those who want to be close to the city’s main attractions. While enjoying these sites, visitors should also be aware of traffic Bastogne, especially during peak tourist seasons, which can affect travel times.

Bastogne Sud: A quiet residential neighborhood located on the southern outskirts of the city. It’s an ideal option for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Sainte-Ode: A rural area located just outside of Bastogne, surrounded by picturesque countryside and quaint villages. It’s an excellent option for those who want to experience the peaceful Belgian countryside.

How to Reach Bastogne:

1. By Car: Renting a car is a popular way to reach Bastogne, especially if you are coming from another part of Belgium or Europe. You can rent a car from any major city or airport and drive to Bastogne. This gives you the flexibility to explore the area around Bastogne and visit other nearby attractions.
2. By Train: You can take a train to the nearby cities of Liege or Luxembourg and then take a bus or a taxi to Bastogne. However, this option may not be as convenient as renting a car since it involves multiple modes of transportation.
3. By Bus: There are regular bus services that connect Bastogne to other cities in Belgium and Luxembourg. However, the bus schedules may not be all that frequent, and you will need to change buses to reach Bastogne.
4. By Air: The nearest airports to Bastogne are Brussels Airport and Luxembourg Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a train and/or bus to reach Bastogne.

Renting a car may be a better option if you want to explore Bastogne and its surroundings in your own time and at your own pace. Having a car gives you the freedom to visit nearby attractions like the Ardennes forest, the Battle of the Bulge Memorial, and the Mardasson Memorial. It also saves you time since you don’t have to wait for public transportation, and you can choose the most convenient route for you. However, if you are not comfortable driving, or you want to save money on transportation, taking a train or bus may be a better option.

Getting around Bastogne:

Bastogne is a relatively small city that can be easily explored on foot. However, if you want to explore the surrounding countryside, I recommended to rent a car or bike. There are also bus and taxi services available in the city but the bus getting to places like Foy can be a challenge as it does not run that route all that frequent.

Bastogne Travel Tips:

Don’t miss the Bastogne War Museum, which provides a comprehensive overview of the Battle of the Bulge and its impact on the region.

Sample the local cuisine, including traditional Belgian dishes such as moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonade flamande (beef stew), and waffles.

Try some of the delicious local beer. Belgium is famous for its beer, and Bastogne has several breweries that produce unique and flavorful beers. You can find airborne or WW2 themed beers around the city as well as many delicious trappist beers.

Visit the Mardasson Memorial, a striking monument dedicated to the American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Explore the small village of Foy, which was a significant location during the Battle of the Bulge. Visit the Foy Notre-Dame church, where American soldiers took refuge during the battle, and the Easy Company foxholes, which were featured in the TV series “Band of Brothers.” You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the village to learn more about its history and role in the battle.

Take a hike or bike ride through the beautiful Ardennes forest, which surrounds Bastogne.

Attend one of the city’s many festivals and events, such as the annual Christmas market or the Bastogne Historic Walk.

Visit the nearby town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, known for its stunning castle ruins and picturesque riverside location.

Typical Costs in Bastogne:

Cost of Lodging:

The cost of accommodation in Bastogne varies depending on the location, amenities, and time of year.

Budget Hotels: Budget hotels in Bastogne can cost anywhere between 50-80 EUR per night. These hotels usually offer basic amenities and may be located slightly further from the city center.

Mid-Range Hotels: Mid-range hotels in Bastogne usually cost between 80-120 EUR per night. These hotels offer comfortable rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, TV, and room service.

Luxury Hotels: Luxury hotels in Bastogne can cost over 150 EUR per night. These hotels offer upscale amenities such as spas, fitness centers, and fine dining Eat and Drinks. They are typically located in prime locations, such as the city center or near major attractions.

Cost of Meals

Street Food and Fast Food: If you’re on a budget, street food and fast food options are available in Bastogne at relatively affordable prices. You can expect to spend between 5-10 EUR for items such as sandwiches, pizza slices, and kebabs.

Mid-Range Eat and Drinks: For a sit-down meal in a mid-range Eat and Drink, expect to pay around 20-30 EUR per person. This usually includes a main dish and a drink. Many Eat and Drinks in Bastogne offer traditional Belgian cuisine, including moules-frites (mussels and fries) and carbonnade flamande (a hearty beef stew).

Fine Dining Eat and Drinks: Fine dining establishments in Bastogne can be more expensive, with prices ranging from 40-60 EUR or more per person. These Eat and Drinks typically offer a gourmet dining experience with high-quality ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Cost of Transportation

Public Transportation: Public transportation in Bastogne is limited, but there are local buses that run within the city and to nearby towns. A single ticket for a bus ride in Bastogne costs around 2 EUR. You can also purchase a day pass for around 6 EUR, which allows for unlimited rides on local buses.

Taxi: Taxis are available in Bastogne, but they can be expensive. The initial fare is usually around 8 EUR, with an additional cost of around 2 EUR per kilometer. If you’re traveling a long distance or need a taxi for an extended period, it’s recommended to negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand.

Car Rental: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the wider area around Bastogne. Rental prices vary depending on the type of car and rental company, but you can expect to pay around 30-50 EUR per day for a basic car rental.