Brussels Belgium 2 Day Itinerary

48 Hours in Brussels: A Two-Day Itinerary

This two-day itinerary focuses on the historical and cultural highlights of Brussels, Belgium. It’s designed for a visitor who wants to experience the city’s charm and explore its iconic sights.

Day 1: Medieval Charm and Iconic Views

  • Morning: Start your day at the Grand Place (Grote Markt), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Explore the surrounding buildings, including the Town Hall, the Guild Houses, and the Maison du Roi.

    • Things to know:
      • The Grand Place is a bustling hub in the city center.
      • Allow ample time to explore the intricate architecture of the buildings and admire the street performers.
      • Pro-tip: Take a walking tour to learn about the history of each building, or simply wander around and soak it all in!

  • Lunch: Indulge in some classic Belgian cuisine at Chez Leon, known for its traditional dishes and cozy atmosphere. Try their famous moules frites (mussels and fries) - a must-have culinary experience in Brussels!

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the world of Belgian Comics by visiting the Comics Museum or the Comic Strip Route, a walking tour that highlights iconic murals from Belgian comic characters.

    • Alternative: If comics aren’t your thing, explore the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. This complex houses a diverse collection, including works by renowned Belgian artists like Magritte and Rubens.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a hearty meal at Le Bistro, a charming restaurant with a focus on local cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Day 2: History and Art Deco Elegance

  • Morning: Explore the historical heart of Brussels with a visit to the Manneken Pis statue, a symbol of the city’s quirky personality, and enjoy a delicious waffle breakfast at Maison Dandoy.

    • Alternative: Take a trip to the Atomium, a giant atom-shaped structure that offers breathtaking views of the city.

  • Afternoon: Journey into the past with a tour of the Atomium or the Belgian Comic Strip Center.

    • Things to know:
      • The Manneken Pis is a small statue, but its significance lies in its representation of Belgian childhood and history.
      • The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a great place for kids and adults to enjoy interactive exhibits about Belgian comic characters.

  • Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Brussels with a visit to a local bar or pub.

    • Recommendation: Enjoy a traditional Belgian beer (perhaps a Trappist ale) and some live music in the Ixelles district, known for its lively bars.

Things to consider:

  • This itinerary assumes you are arriving in Brussels on a day with good weather. If it rains, there are plenty of museums and indoor attractions to keep you busy.

  • Day 1:

    • The Brussels Card offers free access to the Belgian Comic Center and other museums, as well as free public transport and discounts on various attractions. It’s a great value if you plan on visiting lots of museums and attractions.

  • Day 2:

    • Accommodation: The Belgian Comic Strip Center, located in Brussels, is a fantastic place to stay for a night or two. You can enjoy the interactive exhibits and then head over to the nearby Atomium for a fun afternoon!

Other things you might enjoy:

  • Day 1: Explore the historic center of Brussels, taking in the architecture and enjoying a Belgian chocolate tasting at one of the many chocolatiers.
  • Day 2: Take a walking tour of the historic Grand Place, or explore other historical sites like the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (St. Michel and St. Gudula Cathedral), and the Manneken Pis statue.

Getting Around:

  • Brussels has an excellent public transport system with a metro, trams, buses, and a free shuttle bus that runs through the city center.
  • The Brussels Card provides access to the Brussels Card free transportation network, which can be a convenient option for exploring the city.
  • Consider using the walking tour option (available with the Brussels Card) to discover the city on foot and learn about its history from local guides.

Other Attractions:

  • Day 1: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Place, the heart of Brussels.
  • Day 2: Explore the Atomium’s unique design and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
  • Enjoy the charm of the city’s charming streets, adorned with historical buildings and statues.

Things to note:

  • Brussels Card: For maximum enjoyment, try to use your Brussels Card for free entry to museums and other attractions.

Where to Stay:

For a truly immersive experience, consider staying in a hotel near the Grand Place or in the heart of the city.

  • Hotel de la Poste: Located right on the Grand Place, this historic hotel offers a charming atmosphere and is within walking distance of many museums and attractions
  • The Hotel Amigo: A luxurious option with a central location, close to the Royal Palace and other Brussels landmarks

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury Hotels: For a luxurious stay near the center of Brussels:

    • Hotel Metropole - This historic hotel is known for its elegant design and luxurious amenities.
    • The Dominican - A stylish hotel with a focus on modern comfort and design, situated in the vibrant city center.

  • Restaurants:

  • Chez Leon (Rue des Bouchers, 47-49) - A traditional Belgian restaurant with delicious fries and a variety of other options.

  • Fin de Siècle restaurants offer traditional Belgian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

  • The Brasserie de la Metrópole is an excellent option for a more casual dining experience.

Where to Eat:

  • Enjoy a beer at any of the many bars and pubs in Brussels, like Delirium Café (Rue des Bouchers, 47-49) which offers a wide variety of beers from all over Belgium.
  • Explore local Belgian breweries for authentic culinary experiences, including the Belgian Comic Strip Route.

Alternative Accommodation:

If you’re looking for something a little different, consider these options:

  • The Hotel Amigo: This option is great for those who want to stay in a more modern setting.
  • Hostels and Airbnb: For budget-friendly stays, there are plenty of hostels near the city center where you can enjoy the charm of the city.

Things to see:

  • Belgium’s Comic Strip Center: Explore the history of Belgian comics through interactive exhibits and workshops.

  • The Atomium: This iconic structure offers stunning views of Brussels and is a great place to learn about the history of the city’s architecture and design.

Enjoy the experience:

  • Day 1:

    • Option 1: Exploring History: Enjoy a delicious brunch or lunch at one of the cafes near the Grand Place, then spend the afternoon exploring the historical sights, like the Manneken Pis, a symbol of the city’s rebellious spirit.

  • Option 2:

For a taste of Belgian culture:

  • Explore the streets around the Grand Place for unique architecture and historical anecdotes.
  • Visit the Manneken Pis (a must-see in Brussels).

Enjoy the adventure:

  • Enjoy a stroll through the city’s charming streets and discover the many hidden gems.
  • Explore the local markets and sample the delicious Belgian food, like chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer.

For a delicious brunch experience:

  • Delirium Village: Enjoy a variety of Belgian food and drinks while exploring the city’s vibrant history.

  • Alternative 1:

  • Explore the Grand Place: This is a great place to start a day exploring the city.

  • Experience the Atomium

  • Day 2:

    • Embrace the “Belgian” experience: Enjoy a delicious waffle at the Grand Place, a great place for a delightful breakfast or brunch.

Museums:

  • Brussels Card:

  • Enjoy the museums - For a truly immersive experience, explore the Belgium’s rich history and culture through its museums.

  • The Atomium: This iconic attraction is a great starting point for exploring Brussels.

  • Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art (BCC): The Belgian Center for a fun afternoon, learn about the history of Belgian comic books and comics.

  • Enjoy the historical significance

  • Alternative 2:

    • Museum of Natural Sciences: Explore the city’s museums, such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts & History, which offer a wide variety of exhibits.

    • The Atomium (not a “Belgian” museum, but a fantastic example of Art Deco architecture) is a great place to explore while in the city.

  • Option 1:

    • Explore the history of Belgian comic books: Explore the history of comics and their impact on Belgian culture.

  • Enjoy the variety of Belgian cuisine:

Where to eat:

  • Chez Leon (Brussels): Enjoy a delicious and traditional meal at this iconic Brussels restaurant.
  • Belgian breweries:

For those looking for a taste of Belgian beer culture:

  • Try a Belgian waffle with various toppings like whipped cream, strawberries, chocolate sauce, and of course, Belgian beers.**

Beyond the Waffle:

  • Enjoy the beauty and history of the city’s museums.

Experience the culinary scene:

Note: This is just a starting point. You can adjust this itinerary to suit your interests and time constraints.

  • For a unique experience, try a Belgian beer tasting at one of the many pubs or bars in Brussels.

Enjoy the historical context:

  • The Belgian Comic Strip Center:

This walking tour focuses on the history of Belgian comics, with exhibits showcasing original artwork and sketches from famous artists like Hergé (the creator of Tintin), creator of the Smurfs (a popular Belgian comic character)

  • Embrace the history of Belgian beers: Explore the “Belgian Beer Paradise” - a unique museum dedicated to the history of Belgian beer.

Museums:

  • Enjoy the historical context:

  • Enjoy a variety of experiences, such as exploring the Belgian Royal Museums of Fine Arts, which are located in Brussels.

Important things to note:

  • The Belgian Comic Strip Center:
  • It’s all about the history and cultural impact of Belgian comics.

Enjoy the unique architecture:

  • For a different perspective: Explore the history of Belgian beer and its connection to local traditions at the “Belgian Beer Museum”.

Other things to enjoy:

Explore the city:

  • Enjoy a delicious meal and a beer in Brussels.

Enjoy the variety of beers: The Museum of Fine Arts, which is home to the “Magritte Collection” for a unique experience, you can try a “Belgian Beer Tasting Experience”

  • Enjoy the art deco experience: Explore the history of Belgian beer and its connection to the artistic movement.

Enjoy the Art Deco details: The Brussels architecture scene also has some great examples of Art Nouveau architecture, which is an older style but still fascinating.

  • The Magritte Museum:

Other options: *

Enjoy a variety of beers: The Belgian Beer Museum in Brussels, with its focus on the history and culture of Belgian beer.

Enjoy the unique experience: Explore the city’s rich history of art and design

Important:

  • This itinerary is just a suggestion. You can adapt it to your interests and time by choosing specific locations and activities within each area.
  • Remember: The Belgian Comic Strip Center, located in Brussels, is an excellent place to explore the history of Belgian comics, with exhibits that showcase the evolution of this unique art form.

Enjoy a “classic” experience:

Explore the range of Belgian beers at the “Brewing Museum” and enjoy the unique experiences.

Remember:

  • Art Deco style:

This is just an example of how you can tailor the itinerary to focus on the “Belgian” aspect.

Enjoy a traditional Belgian experience:

To explore the history of Belgian beer, you can visit the Brussels Beer Museum in Brussels.

Exploring the city:

  • Remember, the Belgian Comic Strip Center is just one stop in a long list of historical attractions.

Enjoy exploring the history of Belgian beers.