Overview
Charleroi is a former mining town with a bad reputation, but it offers unique attractions like the internationally-acclaimed Museum of Photography, a strong comic strip culture, and a modern dance festival. It is also the location of low-cost Brussels South-Charleroi Airport, making it a convenient transit hub.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Festivals · Museums · Transit Hub
Before you go
Accommodation
Hotels near the airport offer shuttles; no youth hostel in the city.
Connectivity
4G from all Belgian carriers; no 5G as of July 2022.
Language
French is the official language in Wallonia.
Money
The currency is the Euro (€). No specific money tips provided.
Safety
Crime rate marginally lower than other Belgian cities, but avoid certain neighbourhoods at night: Couillet, Marchienne-au-Pont, Marcinelle, and near the railway station.
Transport
Charleroi has a metro system (tram and underground light rail) and buses from the airport.
Water
No public water fountains; the train station has a bottle refill station.