Brussels 2 Day Itinerary

July 13, 2024

Two Days in Brussels: A Deliciously Diverse Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the best of Brussels’ diverse offerings, from historical landmarks to its renowned chocolate shops.

Day 1: Brussels Classics & Belgian Beer

Morning: Start your day with a traditional Belgian breakfast at a local cafe. Enjoy fresh pastries and bread from a bakery like Pain Quotidien or Le Pain Quotidien, pair them with a delicious cup of coffee, and soak up the atmosphere.
Midday: Explore the heart of Brussels’ history:
- Grand Place (Grote Markt): Indulge in the beauty of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Brussels City Hall, admire the architecture of the surrounding guild houses, and enjoy a lunch break at a charming cafe like Chez Leon, known for its traditional Belgian cuisine.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Manneken Pis: This iconic statue is a must-see in Brussels. Take photos and enjoy the stories about this mischievous bronze figure.
- Explore the Atomium: This unique structure offers breathtaking views of the city and a glimpse into the future as envisioned at the 1958 World’s Fair. Enjoy some time exploring the exhibits and history within this architectural marvel.
Evening:
- Dinner at Chez Noodle: Experience delicious Asian cuisine in this popular Brussels restaurant.
- Stay in the city center: This puts you in the middle of the action and makes it easy to explore on foot. Consider the stylish Hotel Amigo or the luxurious The Hotel, both known for their central locations and modern amenities.

Day 2: Exploring Art & Indulgence

Morning:
- Start with a waffle: No trip to Brussels is complete without indulging in a fresh, Belgian waffle from a local cafe or street vendor.
- Magritte Museum: Explore the surrealist art of René Magritte, one of Belgium’s most famous artists.
Afternoon:
- Day trip to Ghent: Take a train or bus to this charming medieval city and visit its historic center, including the Gravensteen Castle, the Castle of the Counts, and the Ghent Altarpiece at St Bavo Cathedral.
- Return to Brussels for dinner at a “moules-frites” restaurant: Enjoy this classic Belgian dish of mussels and fries in a traditional setting, like Le Petit Châtelet or Chez Fernand.
Evening:
- Enjoy the nightlife: After your day in Ghent, relax with a glass of Belgian beer. Brussels is famous for its beers!
- Visit a local bar: For a truly unique experience, try a “beer tasting” at one of the many pubs and cafes throughout the city.

Things to know:

Brussels is a bilingual city (French & Dutch): While most people in Brussels speak French, learn some basic French phrases for better interactions with locals.
Belgium has three official languages: Flemish, French, and German.
Belgium uses the Euro (€): Familiarize yourself with the currency before your trip.
Brussels is known for its chocolate: Don’t miss the opportunity to try Belgian chocolates while you’re there!

Transportation:

Brussels has a great public transport system.** The metro, tram, and bus network is extensive and efficient.
Walking & cycling are popular ways to get around: Many of the attractions are within walking distance in the city center.
Brussels Airlines offers flights from all over the world: This makes it easy for tourists to reach Brussels and convenient for exploring the city’s charm.

Tips:

Get a Brussels Card: It provides free public transport and access to many museums and attractions, including the Atomium.
Try local Belgian food: While in Brussels, don’t miss out on frites (Belgian fries), waffles, mussels, and Belgian beer.
Learn about the city’s history:

For a fun alternative, try:

Other things to consider:

Brussels is a very walkable city. You can see many of the sights on foot.
Public transport is the best way to get around Brussels. It’s easy and efficient, and you can use the Brussels Card for free travel.
The Grand Place is beautiful and central:

Other things that might interest tourists in Brussels:

Explore other museums: Brussels has a wealth of museums beyond the Magritte Museum. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Belgian Comic Strip Center, and the Magritte Museum are just a few examples.
Visit the European Quarter: Home to many important EU institutions, it’s a fascinating place to explore the heart of European decision-making.
Explore the Atomium’s exhibitions:
Enjoy the culinary scene: Brussels is a foodie paradise. Try Belgian specialties like waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, moules frites (mussels and fries), and chocolate from renowned chocolatiers.
Stroll through the city’s parks: Brussels has many beautiful parks perfect for relaxing walks and picnics.

Things to know:

Enjoy a “Belgian Beer Experience”: Explore the world of Belgian beer by visiting a local brewery or pub, sampling different beers, and learning about their brewing traditions.
Take a walk through the city’s history: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Brussels’ charming streets and explore the city’s rich history.

Other things to know:

Are you sure about that?

Try a “beer and food pairing” experience: Brussels is home to an incredible variety of beers, from Trappist ales to lambics. Explore local pubs and breweries like Delirium Cafe, which offers a wide range of Belgian beers.
Visit the Manneken Pis statue:
Belgium uses the Euro (€) as currency:
Belgium is a great place to experience a variety of beers: The Belgians are known for their love of beer.
Take advantage of the city’s excellent public transport system and enjoy a “beer” tasting at one of the famous breweries or local cafes in the “Brussels” area.

For getting around:

Try the Brussels Card:
Belgium is known for its delicious waffles: Enjoying a “Belgian beer experience” can be a delightful way to immerse yourself in the local culture.