Brussels, Belgium-7-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Brussels
- Arrival: Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) or take the Thalys train from Paris or Amsterdam.
- Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel in the city center, such as Hotel Amigo or Novotel Brussels City Centre.
- Dinner: Head to the famous Grand’Place for dinner at one of the many restaurants, such as Comme Chez Soi (Michelin-starred restaurant) or La Quincaillerie (traditional Belgian cuisine).
- Things to know: Don’t forget to try some Belgian waffles and chocolate!
- Tips: Buy a Brussels Card for free entry to attractions, public transport, and discounts at shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Grand’Place and Around
- Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a local café or bakery.
- Grand’Place: Visit the Grand’Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Admire the Town Hall, King’s House (City Museum), and St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral.
- Manneken Pis: Don’t miss a visit to the iconic Manneken Pis statue, a symbol of Brussels.
- Lunch: Grab lunch at a street food stall or try some Belgian specialties like waffles, fries, or moules-frites (mussels in white wine sauce).
- Magritte Museum: Visit the Magritte Museum dedicated to the life and work of surrealist artist René Magritte.
- Evening: Enjoy a drink at one of the many bars or cafes along the Boulevard Saint-Michel.
Day 3: Atomium, Mini-Europe, and Heysel
- Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a local café or bakery.
- Atomium: Visit the iconic Atomium, a stunning example of post-war architecture. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from its top sphere.
- Mini-Europe: Explore Mini-Europe, an outdoor miniature park featuring famous landmarks and cities from across Europe.
- Heysel Museum: Visit the Heysel Museum to learn about the history of the 1958 World’s Fair and the Atomium’s construction.
- Lunch: Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant or food stall.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the trendy Marolles neighborhood.
Day 4: European Parliament, Schuman Square, and Mont des Arts
- Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a local café or bakery.
- European Parliament: Visit the European Parliament building, an impressive example of modern architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about EU politics and history.
- Schuman Square: Explore Schuman Square, dedicated to Robert Schuman, one of the founders of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
- Mont des Arts: Visit the Mont des Arts, an elegant neighborhood with beautiful gardens, museums, and art galleries. Don’t miss a visit to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
- Lunch: Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant or food stall.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the trendy Saint-Géry neighborhood.
Day 5: Day Trip to Bruges
- Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a local café or bakery.
- Train: Take a train from Brussels South station to Bruges (approximately 1 hour journey).
- Bruges City Centre: Visit the beautiful city centre of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the medieval architecture, canals, and historic buildings.
- Belfry Tower: Climb the Belfry Tower for panoramic views of the city.
- Lunch: Grab lunch at a local restaurant or food stall.
- Return to Brussels: Return to Brussels by train in the evening.
Day 6: Saint-Gilles and Around
- Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a local café or bakery.
- Saint-Gilles: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Saint-Gilles, known for its boutique hotels, restaurants, and bars. Don’t miss a visit to the beautiful Church of Saint-Gilles.
- Autoworld Museum: Visit the Autoworld Museum, showcasing over 250 vehicles from around the world.
- Lunch: Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant or food stall.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the trendy Ixelles neighborhood.
Day 7: Departure
- Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at a local café or bakery.
- Last-minute shopping: Do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts.
- Departure: Depart from Brussels Airport (BRU) or take the Thalys train to Paris or Amsterdam.