Brussels, Belgium-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Brussels Itinerary

Accommodation: Consider staying in the historic city center (Centre) for easy access to main attractions. Boutique hotels like Hotel Amigo or The Dominican offer charm and luxury, while Airbnb options provide budget-friendly alternatives.

Transportation:

  • Brussels Card: A valuable investment offering free public transport, museum entry, discounts, and more.
  • Metro & Tram: Efficient and affordable for navigating the city.
  • Walking: Brussels is a walkable city, ideal for exploring charming neighborhoods.

Things to Know:

  • Language: While French and Dutch are official languages, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated (5-10%).

Day 1: Arrival & Grand Place Magic

  • Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU), take the train to the city center (€9).
  • Check into your accommodation and leave your luggage.
  • Grand Place (Grote Markt): Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning square with ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall. Enjoy lunch at Chez Leon, famous for mussels and frites.
  • Manneken Pis: Find the mischievous bronze statue of the “peeing boy” hidden in an alley.
  • Evening: Indulge in Belgian waffles from a street vendor and savor a beer at a traditional cafe like Delirium Cafe.

Day 2: Art & History

  • Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: Explore masterpieces by Flemish masters like Bruegel, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
  • Magritte Museum: Immerse yourself in the surreal world of Belgian artist René Magritte.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious sandwich at Pain Quotidien, known for its organic bread and fresh ingredients.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Sablon district with its antique shops, chocolate boutiques, and charming squares.

Day 3: Comics & Chocolate Delights

  • Belgian Comic Strip Center: Discover the history of Belgian comics like Tintin, Smurfs, and Lucky Luke.
  • Chocoholic Tour: Embark on a guided tour to learn about Belgian chocolate making and indulge in tastings.
  • Lunch: Savor traditional Belgian cuisine at La Quincaillerie, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious stews.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat (Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate) for a fascinating journey through chocolate history.

Day 4: Atomium & European Quarter

  • Atomium: Explore this iconic structure, built for the 1958 World’s Fair, offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Mini-Europe: Discover miniature replicas of famous European landmarks.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a casual meal at Maison Antoine, renowned for its crispy fries.
  • Afternoon: Explore the European Quarter, home to the EU institutions and impressive architecture.

Day 5: Day Trip to Ghent

  • Take a train to Ghent (approximately 30 minutes), a charming medieval city with canals, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings.
  • Gravensteen Castle: Explore this imposing fortress from the 12th century.
  • St. Bavo Cathedral: Admire the stunning Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Northern Renaissance art.

Lunch: Enjoy traditional Flemish cuisine at De Karmeliet, known for its Michelin-starred dining experience (reservations required).

Day 6: Brussels Park Life & Local Flavors

  • Parc du Cinquantenaire: Stroll through this vast park with museums, monuments, and gardens.
  • Royal Palace of Brussels: Admire the official residence of the Belgian monarch (open to visitors during summer months).
  • Lunch: Savor a gourmet burger at Frites Atelier, known for its creative toppings and high-quality fries.

Afternoon: Explore Ixelles, a lively neighborhood with trendy cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Enjoy an evening aperitif at a cozy bar like Le Bar à Vin.

Day 7: Farewell & Souvenirs

  • Visit the Place du Jeu de Balle, a vibrant flea market offering unique souvenirs and antiques.
  • Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: Explore this elegant arcade with luxury shops, chocolatiers, and jewelry stores.

Lunch: Enjoy a final Belgian meal at Le Pain Quotidien, savoring fresh pastries and coffee.

  • Depart from Brussels Airport (BRU).

Extra Tips:

  • Consider purchasing a Brussels Card for free public transport and museum entry.

  • Try traditional Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonnade flamande (beef stew), and waterzooi (creamy chicken or fish stew).

  • Indulge in Belgian waffles, chocolates, and beers.

  • Visit during spring or fall for pleasant weather.