Brussels-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) and take a taxi or train (Thalys or Eurostar) to your hotel
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in at your hotel, such as Hotel Amigo in the city center
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most beautiful squares
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Comme Chez Soi, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a cozy atmosphere
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Magritte Museum (Musée Magritte), dedicated to the life and work of famous surrealist artist René Magritte
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy a beer at Delirium Cafe, a quirky bar with over 3,000 different beers
  • Night: Explore the lively Rue des Bouchers (Meat Street) and its many bars and restaurants

Day 2: Atomium and Mini-Europe

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Atomium (L’Atomium), a giant model of an iron crystal and one of Brussels’ most recognizable landmarks
  • 11:30 AM: Visit Mini-Europe (Mini-Europe), an amusement park featuring miniature versions of famous European landmarks
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at La Casa de Tojo, a popular restaurant serving delicious and authentic Spanish cuisine
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique), which house an impressive collection of Belgian, Dutch, and Flemish art
  • Night: Enjoy a traditional Belgian dinner at Le Coq Rouge, a cozy restaurant with a warm atmosphere

Day 3: Day Trip to Bruges

  • Morning: Take the train (Thalys or Eurostar) from Brussels to Bruges (approximately 1 hour)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the stunning Belfry Tower (Beffroi), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bruges’ most iconic landmarks
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at De Karmeliet, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), which houses Michelangelo’s famous painting, “The Madonna and Child”
  • Night: Return to Brussels and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or explore the city’s many bars and restaurants

Day 4: Royal Palace and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Royal Palace of Belgium (Palais royal de Belgique), the official palace of the Belgian monarch, although it is only open to the public for a few weeks each year
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Le Pain Quotidien, a popular bakery and cafe with delicious sandwiches and salads
  • 1:30 PM: Spend the afternoon shopping at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (Galerie Royales Saint-Hubert), one of Brussels’ oldest and most beautiful shopping centers
  • Night: Enjoy a farewell dinner at In de Wulp, a cozy restaurant with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients

Things to Know

  • Language: French and Dutch are the official languages, but many locals also speak English
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Weather: Brussels has a temperate climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year
  • Safety: Brussels is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings

Transportation

  • Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU) is located about 16 km from the city center
  • Train: Trains connect Brussels to other major European cities, including Paris and London
  • Metro: Brussels has an efficient metro system with three lines that cover most areas of the city
  • Bus: Buses are a convenient way to get around the city, especially for shorter journeys

Tips

  • Tip: 5-10% is standard in restaurants and bars
  • Reservations: Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants and attractions
  • Explore: Take time to explore the city’s many streets, alleys, and hidden gems
  • Enjoy: Enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and world-class museums!