How to Spend a Weekend in Brussels (2-Day Brussels Itinerary)

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Why Visit Brussels?

Your time is valuable, so you may be wondering, “Why should I visit Brussels?” 

Brussels is a well-rounded city full of beautiful architecture, interesting history, delicious food, top-tier art, lush parks, and of course, strong beers. 

If like me, you travel with your mouth, then it’s hard to go wrong in Belgium. Belgian fries, waffles, chocolates, and beers will all have your mouth watering.

Art lovers can revel in centuries of artistic expression at the Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, then head outside and see comic book murals around every corner.

In short, Brussels has excellent museums, attractions, and culinary experiences, and welcomes visitors to enjoy all of them. 

How to Get to Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union, is well-connected and easy to reach. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, bus, or car, there are plenty of convenient options.

By Air

Brussels Airport (BRU), located about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the city center, is Belgium’s main international gateway. It serves flights from major cities across Europe, North America, and beyond.

From the airport, you can take a direct train to Brussels Central Station in about 30 minutes.  Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but cost significantly more than the train (travel time is similar).

Charleroi Airport (CRL), used by budget airlines, is about an hour away, with shuttle buses connecting to the center of Brussels.

By Train

Brussels has excellent rail connections to other top European cities. High-speed trains like Thalys, Eurostar, and ICE link Brussels to Paris, London, and Amsterdam in just a few hours.

The city has three main stations—Brussels-Midi (Zuid), Brussels-Central, and Brussels-North—making train travel a convenient option.

By Car or Bus

If you’re planning to road trip across Europe, getting to Brussels by car is easy. However, parking may be difficult. Major highways connect Brussels to its neighbors, but driving takes more time than the train. The drive from Amsterdam to Brussels is about 3 hours, while Paris to Brussels takes over 4 hours.

Alternatively, budget-friendly buses such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus provide an affordable way to reach the city from various European cities.

2 Days in Brussels: Itinerary At a Glance

Day 1:

• Grand Place
• Brussels City Museum
• Galleries Royales Saint Hubert
• Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula
• Manneken Pis
• GardeRobe Manneken Pis
• Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium (Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique)
• Mont des Arts
• Take a beer tour
• Dine on some mussels in Brussels

Day 2:

• Tour the European Parliament
• Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais du Bruxelles)
• BELvue Museum
• Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon (Eglise Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon)
• Chocolate Tasting

2 Days in Brussels Itinerary

This is my itinerary from my Brussels weekend city break. This 2-day Brussels itinerary took me to most major sites in the city, and I still had plenty of time to explore at leisure, shop, and relax at cafes in the town square.

Day 1

Morning: Orientation to the city

Grand Place

One of the best things about Brussels is that the main city center is extremely walkable. Start your weekend getaway by strolling around and getting to know the area.

Head first to Grand Place, with its beautiful gilded buildings. Arguably the most famous Brussels attraction, this major square is said to be the most beautiful square in Europe. Take a stroll past the ornate buildings lining the square and decide for yourself.

The square is lined with cafes and restaurants and is a great place to sit, drink a beer, and people-watch. It’s sleepy in the mornings, but coming early is the only way to see it without the crowds. Don’t worry, you’ll be back to enjoy the bustle later on.

Take note of the buildings that line the square. They house a few museums (of which the Brussels City Museum is worth visiting) as well as Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles, the Brussels town hall.

Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula

Now, turn away from beautiful Grand Place and take a quick five-minute walk uphill to the 16th-century Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula. The cathedral is free to enter, although there is a fee to access the tombs.

This grand cathedral is the national church of Belgium. It’s built in the Brabantine Gothic style and is where royal weddings and funerals take place. Just to the right of the entrance, you’ll see photos depicting these royal events.

After touring the cathedral, make your way back in the direction of Grand Place. On the way, be sure to stop at the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert.

Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

This ornate shopping center with high-arched glass roofs and upscale shopping is one of the top attractions in Brussels. The Galeries are a set of three shopping arcades – the King’s Gallery, Queen’s Gallery, and Prince’s Gallery – full of ateliers, restaurants, and other shops.

These ornate shopping arcades are a pleasure to stroll through, popping in and out of shops as you like.

Aside from the architecture, my favorite part of strolling these shopping arcades is the chance to visit some of Belgium’s famous chocolatiers. Inside you’ll find Leonidas and Neuhaus, where you can purchase delicious chocolates to refuel while sightseeing.

Brussels City Museum

Once you return to Grand Place, make your way to the Brussels City Museum (Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles), across the square from the Town Hall and located inside the former royal residence.

This museum houses artifacts documenting the history of the city and is a great place to learn about the founding of Brussels. Most notable are the ceramics collection and historic paintings of the city.

In my opinion, the real highlight of the museum is its exhibit on Manneken Pis, the little peeing boy who is the unofficial symbol of Brussels. The exhibit contains a timeline of the statue’s history, as well as the original statue. 

A little peeing boy is certainly a unique city symbol, and going to this museum will give you an appreciation for the statue’s significance and place in the heart of the Bruxellois.

Your ticket to the City Museum also includes admission to Garde Robe Manneken Pis which exhibits some of the statue’s costumes. But first, head over the see the little lad in person.

Manneken Pis

From the museum, walk across Grand Place, past the Town Hall, and make your way to the famous Manneken Pis. This little squirt has been going for nearly 600 years.

Take a look at the board mounted on the gate surrounding the statue. This lists his scheduled outfits for the month. If you’re in luck, he’ll be donning some new attire during your visit. If your timing is good you should try and catch the processional – it’s quite a spectacle! – as the townsfolk come to celebrate the big costume reveal.

GardeRobe Manneken Pis

After viewing the statue, head a block up the street to the GardeRobe Manneken Pis museum.

This small museum displays actual costumes worn by Manneken Pis. Informational booklets tell the history and tradition behind why they like to dress the little guy up.

It doesn’t take long to peruse the costumes, most of which were gifted by foreign dignitaries. They’re surprisingly ornate and must follow detailed specifications to receive approval.

Afternoon: Belgian Art & Culture

After spending a decent chunk of your morning learning about a naked boy peeing statue, let’s shift gears to something a little more high-brow. Grab some lunch to sit and refuel, then head to Belgium’s premier art museum.

Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium (Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique)

This large museum complex is comprised of six different museums, each requiring its own ticket. It’s one of the best attractions in Brussels and a must-visit for art lovers.

With only two days in Brussels, limit yourself to the Old Masters (Flemish Renaissance and Baroque art: think Rembrandt, Hieronymus Bosch, Frans Hals, Rubens), Musee fin-de Siecle (early 20th-century art: van Gogh, Rodin, Seurat), and the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the life and art of Belgian artist Rene Magritte.

*Note: As of January 2024, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum is closed to the public.

If you’re not much of an art lover, I suggest at least visiting the Old Masters, but ideally also the Magritte Museum. The combined ticket for both costs €15.

Allow yourself plenty of time to stroll the galleries. I recommend purchasing the audio guide, especially for the Magritte Museum, so you can learn about the life of this famous Belgian painter.

Mont des Arts

Leave the museum and head to one of Brussels’ most beautiful urban green spaces: Mont des Arts.

This planned square offers lovely views of Brussels enhanced by colorful gardens and magnificent statues. It’s the perfect place to stroll, people-watch, and slow down after a fast-paced morning.

Refuel with some pommes frites

After a bust day of sightseeing and some intense museum-going, you’re probably ready for a bit of a break. 

While there are many places to grab a cone of Belgian fries, one of the top places is Café Georgette. The fries here are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Simply pair with some mayonnaise and you have the perfect snack to gear up for your evening activity.

Take a beer tour

Cap off your first day of sightseeing with a beer tour. 

Traditional Belgian beers have a long and interesting history dating back to the Roman era. Beer in Belgium is more than just a beverage – it’s a cultural cornerstone that has deep roots intertwined with the country’s foundations.

Some of the most famous Belgian brews are the Trappist beers. These are traditionally brewed in Trappist monasteries. 

To earn Trappist certification, the beer must be brewed in a monastery and the monks must be involved in its production. Additionally, the beer’s profits must support the monastery. Currently, only ten monasteries in the world meet these criteria, five of which are located in Belgium.

Whether you’re an avid beer drinker or a culture enthusiast looking to learn more, a beer tour is a great opportunity to get exposed to this interesting aspect of Belgian culture.

I recommend this beer tour. It’s the one I took and loved. You’ll be exposed to a varied selection of Belgian beers, learn about local brewing history, and have an all-around good time. It’s one of the best things to do in Brussels.

Dine on some mussels in Brussels

You can’t come to Brussels without trying the local specialty: mussels and frites. What better way to soak up all that delicious Belgian beer? 

There are many great dining spots in Brussels, but for convenience, I recommend heading to Rue des Bouchers.

This restaurant-lined street is conveniently located in the Brussels city center, mere blocks from Grand Place.

It’s a bit touristy, but still a fine place to end your night and dine on some tasty Belgian food.

Day 2

Morning: The Capital of Europe

Tour the European Parliament

Part of what makes the city of Brussels worth visiting is that it is home to the European Parliament. This is why you’ll often hear Brussels referred to as the “capital of Europe.”

Unfortunately, during a weekend trip, you can’t tour the Parliament building and see the Hemisphere where important decisions regarding the future of Europe are made. But, you can visit the Parlamentarium, the free museum that covers the history of the European Union.

The main exhibit lays out the key historic events of the 20th century that led to the establishment of the European coalition.

Other exhibits in this interactive museum highlight the current role of the European Parliament, including key measures the organization has voted on.

Tickets are free, but make sure to reserve in advance online so you don’t miss out on this fascinating site.

Afternoon: Belgian History

Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais du Bruxelles)

The Royal Palace, home to Belgium’s royal family, is a beautiful Neo-classical building commissioned by Leopold II, the second king of Belgium.

The palace is only open to visitors for one month a year, usually from late July to late August.

As of 2024, the palace is undergoing renovations and will not be open for tours until further notice. Luckily, you can still experience the palace’s grandeur by taking a virtual tour.

Even if you won’t be able to tour the palace while you’re in Brussels, it’s still worthwhile to walk by the building and marvel at its architectural beauty.

If you have the time, the Royal Palace is located across the street from Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles) which is worth a stroll.

BELvue Museum

This excellent museum covers the history of Belgium from its independence in 1830 to the modern day. 

The museum contains seven different rooms, each one diving into a different element of what makes modern Belgium what it is today. Through a mix of media, the museum dissects the composition of modern Belgium through the lenses of democracy, migration, language, and broader Europe.

If you want to know about Brussels and Belgium – and what forces have combined to create this unique slice of Europe, don’t miss this comprehensive museum.

Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon (Eglise Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon)

As your weekend exploring Brussels begins to wind down, make a quick detour on your way back to Grand Place and head towards the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon.

Pro Tip: Along the way, consider grabbing a Brussels waffle snack. Waffle vendors usually set up shop outside the museums just for hungry tourists like us.

While the church doesn’t look like much from the outside, but on the inside, every wall is covered with colorful stained glass windows. On a sunny day, being inside the church feels like walking through a kaleidoscope. 

The church is free to enter and doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to see, so pop inside to take in the beautiful glass art.

Chocolate Tasting

Our final activity during this whirlwind of a weekend is a self-guided chocolate tour

It’s impossible to visit Brussels and not eat chocolate.

Before leaving Brussels, head back to Grand Place and the Galleries Royales St Hubert to taste some decadent Belgian chocolates.

It’s hard to go wrong with any Belgian chocolate, but Neuhaus and Leonidas are particularly delicious. 

The pretty boxed assortments make nice gifts, but you pay for the packaging. If purchasing for yourself, save some money and order a la carte instead. 

Brussels Weekend Guide Map

This map shows you all the stops mentioned in my weekend guide to Brussels. As you can see, most of these sights are close together and easy to connect on foot.

Brussels in 1 Day

If you only have one day in Brussels, I recommend mostly skipping the museums and spending your time walking around the city. 

To get the most out of your limited time, take a walking tour around central Brussels to see the major sites and learn some local history. 

I like this walking tour because it’s led by local, Brussels based guides and covers many of the best things to see in the city.

For the afternoon, decide between visiting the Royal Museums of Fine Arts or taking the metro out to tour the EU Parlamentarium.

Dedicate any extra time to beer and chocolate: go chocolate tasting, try some local beers at a restaurant in Grand Place, and wander through the beautiful city parks.

Brussels in 3 Days

If you have 3 days in Brussels, begin your trip by following my 2-day Brussels itinerary. On day three, take the bus or train to visit the Atomium and Mini-Europe.

The Atomium was constructed for the 1958 Brussels World Fair. The structure is shaped like an atom, magnified 165 billion times its actual size. Visitors can enter the giant atom-shaped structure and view the exhibits inside.

Adjacent to the Atomium is Mini-Europe, a Europe-themed park with miniature models of famous landmarks across Europe. This would be an especially worthwhile stop if visiting Brussels with kids. 

Another idea for day 3 in Brussels is to take a day trip to Bruges. The cities are an hour apart on the train and convenient to travel between. Bruges is a charming town with UNESCO World Heritage status. Traveling there will give you a more rounded appreciation of Belgium outside the capital city.

Where to Sleep in Brussels

With limited time in the city, staying in a central location is key. 

I recommend staying near Grand Place, Brussels’ main square and city center. Staying in this area of Brussels will give you quick access to the city’s major sites, plus you’ll be near Brussels Central Station.

Ibis Hotel Grand Place is a good mid-budget hotel option. The rooms are clean and comfortable, if a bit stark. Also, for an extra fee, you can take advantage of the excellent breakfast offered by the hotel. Make sure to book in advance for the best rates.

Getting Around Brussels

While the best way to get around Brussels is on foot, buses are convenient and run regularly. The metro is also a great option for reaching further sites such as the EU Parliament, Parc Cinquantenaire, the Atomium, or Mini Europe.

FAQ: Brussels 2 Day Itinerary

In this section, I answer some frequently asked questions about Brussels. Have more questions? Leave a comment below!

Final Thoughts On Spending a Weekend in Brussels

A weekend in Brussels is the perfect way to experience the city’s blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. From the grandeur of the Grand Place to the charm of hidden alleyways and Art Nouveau architecture, Brussels offers a mix of iconic sights and local gems waiting to be explored.

Savor every bite of a Belgian waffle, sip on world-class beer, and take in the city’s leafy greenery by strolling through the Parc du Cinquantenaire or Parc de Bruxelles. It’s these little moments that make your trip truly memorable.

Want to see more? Extend your journey with a day trip to Bruges, Ghent, or even Waterloo for a deeper dive into Belgium’s rich heritage.

Your weekend getaway starts now—so when are you booking your trip?