Brussels Belgium 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Arrive at Brussels Airport or take a train to the city center. Check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the surrounding streets filled with beautiful guildhalls and ornate facades.
  • Evening: Head to the nearby Rue des Bouchers for dinner at one of the many restaurants. Try some traditional Belgian cuisine like moules-frites or waffles.
  • Where to stay: Hotel des Galeries (5-star) or Ibis Brussels Centre Sainte Catherine (3-star)
  • Things to know:
    • Brussels is a multilingual city, but you may still encounter some language barriers. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from locals or hotel staff.
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions during peak season.

Day 2: Art and Architecture

  • Morning: Visit the Magritte Museum (Musée Magritte), dedicated to the life and work of famous Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. The museum is located in a beautiful 19th-century building.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Saint-Gilles neighborhood, known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Take a guided tour or stroll through the streets on your own.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Corbusier (2-star Michelin), a restaurant located in a stunning Art Deco building.
  • Where to stay: Same as Day 1
  • Things to know:
    • The Magritte Museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
    • Saint-Gilles is a trendy neighborhood with many bars and restaurants. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Royal Palace and Park

  • Morning: Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais Royal de Bruxelles), the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium. The palace is only open to the public during the summer months.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll through the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire, a large park with gardens, ponds, and monuments.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Quincamene (1-star Michelin), a restaurant located in the heart of Brussels.
  • Where to stay: Same as Day 1
  • Things to know:
    • The Royal Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.
    • Parc du Cinquantenaire has many events and concerts throughout the year. Check the park’s website for schedules.

Day 4: Comic Book Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Center (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée), a museum showcasing the history of comic books and their creators.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Manneken Pis neighborhood, known for its small shops selling comic book-themed items.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at ‘T Kelderke (2-star Michelin), a restaurant located in the heart of Brussels.
  • Where to stay: Same as Day 1
  • Things to know:
    • The Belgian Comic Strip Center is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
    • Manneken Pis has many narrow streets and alleys. Be prepared for crowds and lines during peak season.

Day 5: Markets and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Grand Sablon Market (Grand Sablon), a bustling market selling fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful shopping arcade with many luxury brands.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien (1-star Michelin), a restaurant located in the heart of Brussels.
  • Where to stay: Same as Day 1
  • Things to know:
    • The Grand Sablon Market is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.
    • Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert has many high-end boutiques. Be prepared for a more upscale shopping experience.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any remaining attractions.
  • Afternoon: Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport or train station for departure.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions during peak season.
    • Don’t hesitate to ask for help from locals or hotel staff if you need assistance.

Transportation:

  • Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU) is located about 10 km from the city center. Take a train or taxi to get to your destination.
  • Trains: The train station is located in the heart of Brussels, near many major attractions.
  • Metro and Bus: The metro and bus system are efficient and convenient for getting around the city.

Other Tips:

  • Language: While many people speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic French or Dutch phrases to help you communicate with locals.
  • Weather: Brussels has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Be prepared for rain throughout the year.
  • Tipping: Tipping in Belgium is not as common as in other countries. However, it’s still appreciated for good service.

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