Brussels 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Brussels’ Historic Center

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start your day with a traditional Belgian breakfast at a local café. Try some waffles (wafels) or crepes (crêpes) with sweet or savory toppings.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks. This beautiful square is surrounded by ornate guildhalls, including the stunning Town Hall and King’s House.

Afternoon

  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels with fries), waterzooi (a hearty stew), or carbonade flamande (a beef stew).
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, a stunning Gothic church that dates back to the 11th century.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the St. Catherine’s Church and its adjacent square, which features a beautiful fountain and some charming street performers.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, like Comme Chez Soi, or try some classic Belgian cuisine at a local bistro.
  • 9:30 PM: End your day with a visit to the Manneken Pis (the famous little boy statue) and explore the surrounding streets, which are filled with charming shops, cafes, and street performers.

Day 2: Discover Brussels’ Hidden Gems

Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at a local bakery or café.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, which feature an impressive collection of European paintings from the 15th to the 20th century.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Museum of the City of Brussels, which tells the story of Brussels’ history and development.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant or food truck.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Atomium (the iconic, futuristic building), which offers stunning views of the city from its upper levels.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the European Parliament and European Commission, which are located in Brussels’ EU quarter.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or food market.
  • 9:30 PM: End your day with a visit to the Mont des Arts (a hill with beautiful gardens and great views of the city).

Where to Stay

Brussels has many excellent hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options like Ibis and Novotel, to more luxurious accommodations like Hotel Amigo and The Hotel Brussels.

Getting Around

Brussels is a compact city, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. However, the city also has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines. You can buy a Day Pass for unlimited travel on all modes of transport.

Tips and Essentials

  • Be sure to try some Belgian chocolate (it’s world-famous for a reason!).
  • Don’t miss the beautiful Park of Brussels, which features stunning gardens and a picturesque lake.
  • If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to check out the Christmas Market, which takes place in the Grand Place.
  • The city has many excellent museums, including the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Brussels! Enjoy your visit.