Brussels-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Center Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Brussels Airport or take a train to the city center.
  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at Grand Place (Grote Markt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the beautiful Gothic architecture of the guildhalls, including the famous Town Hall and King’s House.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the nearby Magritte Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte.
  • Lunch: Grab a waffle or crepe at one of the street vendors in the city center. Try “Le Funambule” for delicious waffles with various toppings.
  • Afternoon: Explore the St. Michael’s Cathedral (Sint-Michielskerk) and visit the nearby Manneken Pis, a famous bronze statue of a urinating boy.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at “Comme Chez Soi”, a Michelin-starred restaurant with modern French cuisine.

Day 2: Royal Palace and Park

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Royal Palace (Palais Royal) in the heart of Brussels. Although it’s not always open to visitors, you can take a guided tour during the summer months.
  • 11:30 AM: Stroll through the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire (Fifty Years Park), which commemorates 50 years of Belgian independence.
  • Lunch: Try “Le Pain Quotidien” for organic and healthy food options, including sandwiches, salads, and quiches.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Atomium, a unique landmark that offers panoramic views of the city. Take a walk around the nearby mini-Europe theme park.
  • Evening: Have dinner at “Benoît”, a cozy bistro with traditional Belgian cuisine.

Day 3: Comic Strip and Beer Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Center (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée), which showcases the history of comics and cartoons in Belgium.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Saint-Gilles, known for its comic book stores, cafes, and street art.
  • Lunch: Try “Delirium Café” for a wide selection of Belgian beers and delicious pub grub.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cantillon Brewery (Brasserie Cantillon), one of the last traditional lambic breweries in Brussels. Take a guided tour to learn about the brewing process.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at “De Kelder”, a cozy restaurant with a wide selection of Belgian beers and traditional cuisine.

Day 4: Museum Day

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts), which house an impressive collection of art from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte.
  • Lunch: Try “Café les Papilles” for a delicious meal in an atmospheric setting.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Horta Museum (Maison Horta), dedicated to the life and work of the famous Belgian architect Victor Horta.
  • Evening: Have dinner at “Le Grand Bazaar”, a cozy restaurant with traditional Belgian cuisine.

Day 5: Shopping and Markets

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of the oldest shopping centers in Europe. Enjoy a stroll through its beautiful glass roofed galleries.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Marolles (Les Marolles), known for its street markets and eclectic shops.
  • Lunch: Try “Le Funambule” for delicious waffles with various toppings.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Brussels Flower Market (Marché aux Fleurs), where you can find a wide variety of flowers, plants, and gardening supplies.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at “De Kelder”, a cozy restaurant with traditional Belgian cuisine.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring any areas of the city you missed earlier in your trip.
  • 12:00 PM: Depart from Brussels Airport or take a train back home.

Getting Around

Brussels has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines. You can buy tickets at newsagents or at the airport. A single ticket costs around 2 EUR, and a day pass costs around 7 EUR.

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Brussels has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
  • Language: The official language is Dutch, but most locals speak French and English as well.
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Safety: Brussels is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Power outlets: Belgium uses Type E power sockets, which require a two-pin plug.

Accommodations

Brussels has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular options include:

  • Hotel Amigo: A stylish hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Novotel Brussels City Centre: A modern hotel with spacious rooms and a convenient location.
  • Generator Hostel Brussels: A trendy hostel with dorms and private rooms, perfect for backpackers.

Restaurants

Brussels is famous for its cuisine, which includes traditional Belgian dishes like waffles, chocolate, and beer. Some popular restaurants include:

  • Comme Chez Soi: A Michelin-starred restaurant with modern French cuisine.
  • Benoit: A cozy bistro with traditional Belgian cuisine.
  • Delirium Café: A popular spot for Belgian beers and pub grub.

Shopping

Brussels has a wide range of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to local markets. Some popular areas include:

  • Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: One of the oldest shopping centers in Europe.
  • Marolles: A vibrant neighborhood with eclectic shops and street markets.
  • Brussels Flower Market: A bustling market selling flowers, plants, and gardening supplies.

Other Attractions

Brussels has a wide range of attractions beyond its famous landmarks. Some popular options include:

  • Mini-Europe theme park: A miniature park featuring iconic landmarks from around the world.
  • Atomium: A unique landmark offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Magritte Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and work of Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte.

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Brussels!