2-Day Brussels Itinerary: A Perfect Weekend in Brussels

Thinking of spending a weekend in Brussels? Then look no further than this guide, which outlines a 48-hour Brussels itinerary that is perfect for experiencing the culture and atmosphere of this European capital.

This past May I took a solo weekend trip to Brussels, and it was the perfect place for a weekend city break! In this post, I’ve outlined my top tips for traveling to Brussels, as well as my itinerary for 48 hours in Brussels. Hopefully, this weekend guide to Brussels helps you plan an amazing trip!

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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 with Belgian foods, chocolates, and beers. If you’re an art lover you can gorge your eyes at the Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, then turn around and learn about comic book art as well.

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

How long to visit Brussels?

1-2 days is the perfect amount of time for visiting Brussels. Two days in Brussels will give you plenty of time to experience the local culture, history, art, and food.

Why spend a weekend in Brussels?

Why does Brussels make a perfect weekend city break? Brussels is compact and you can walk between most major tourist sites.

Also, since Brussels is a major business and political hub, hotels in Brussels tend to be cheaper on the weekends than during the week.

Spending a weekend in Brussels gives you plenty of time to see the marquee sites and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.

Where to stay for a weekend in Brussels?

Staying in a central location is key when staying in Brussels for a weekend. I recommend staying near Grand Place, Brussels’ main square and city center. There you will have quick access to the city’s major sites, as well as the Central train 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.

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.

Weekend in Brussels: Day 1

Grand Place

Grand Place, the major square in Brussels, is said to be the most beautiful square in Europe. Take a stroll past the ornate buildings lining the square and decide for yourself.

Today, the square is lined with cafes and restaurants and is a great place to sit, drink a beer, and people watch. The buildings around Grand Place also house museums worth visiting, such as the Brussels City Museum (detailed below).

Brussels City Museum

Across from the Town Hall and located inside the former royal residence is the Brussels City Museum (Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles). This museum houses artifacts documenting the history of the city. Most notable are the ceramics collection and historic paintings of Brussels.

The real highlight of the museum, however, is its exhibit on Manneken Pis, the unofficial symbol of Brussels (more on him later). The exhibit contains the original statue and a timeline of the statue’s history. 

A little peeing boy is certainly a unique city symbol, and going to this museum will give visitors 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.

Galleries Royales Saint Hubert

This ornate shopping center with high-arched glass roofs and upscale shopping is a must-see in Brussels.

Here you will find famous Belgian chocolatiers, such as Leonidas and Neuhaus, as well as boutique stores and trendy cafes.

Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula

Just a five-minute walk uphill from the Galleries Royales Saint Hubert sits 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.

Built in the Gothic style, this cathedral is where royal weddings and funerals take place. A collection of photos on the right of the entrance depicts these royal events.

Manneken Pis

From the cathedral, walk again towards Grand Place 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 to the gate surrounding the statue to see his scheduled outfits for the month. If you’re in luck, he’ll be donning some new attire during your visit. Make sure to catch the spectacle as a processional, led by a marching band, heads from the Town Hall to Mannekin Pis for the big reveal.

GardeRobe MannekenPis

This small museum displays actual costumes worn by Manneken Pis. Informational booklets tell the history and tradition surrounding dressing the small statue.

Take a few minutes to admire the intricate and historic costumes, many of which were gifted by foreign dignitaries visiting Brussels.

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

This large museum complex is actually comprised of several different museums, each requiring its own admittance.

If you only have 2 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.

The ticket structure can be a bit confusing, but admittance to all three museums will cost 20 euros. 

Allow yourself plenty of time to stroll the galleries. I recommend purchasing the audio guide, especially for the Magritte Museum.

Mont des Arts

This beautiful planned square offers lovely views of the lower town. It’s a great place to stroll, complete with gardens and ample people-watching opportunities.

Take a beer tour

Cap off your first day in Brussels with a beer tour. Belgian beers are a unique style and have their own interesting history. Learn about what makes Belgian beer so special and how you can best enjoy these brews by signing up for this beer tour.

I booked this beer tour and absolutely loved it!

Dine on some mussels in Brussels

No trip to Brussels is complete without eating some famous mussels and frites. What better way to soak up all that delicious Belgian beer? 

Weekend in Brussels: Day 2

Tour the European Parliament

Part of what makes Brussels such a draw for tourists is that it is home to the European Parliament. If you’re visiting Brussels for a weekend you won’t be able to tour the actual Parliament building itself, which is closed on weekends, but you can visit the Parlamentarium.

The free museum covers the history of the European Union, laying out 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 top site! 

Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais du Bruxelles)

Home to Belgium’s royal family, the Royal palace is only open to visitors one month a year. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting then, schedule time to tour this royal residence. Otherwise, make sure to at least walk by and admire the architectural splendor from afar.

The Royal Palace is across the street from Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles) which is a lovely park worth strolling through.

BELvue Museum

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

If you’re at all interested in learning about the history of Belgium’s democracy, legacy of emigration, and the current immigration into the country, then make sure you don’t miss this comprehensive museum.

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

This magnificent church is adorned on every wall with colorful stained glass. On a sunny day, the interior of the church is like walking through a multicolored kaleidoscope. 

Free to enter, definitely pop inside for a stroll to take in the beautiful glass art.

Chocolate Tasting

It’s impossible to spend a weekend in 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. 

If purchasing for yourself, save some money by skipping the fancy boxed assortments and order a la carte from the counter. 

Brussels in 1 day

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

To get the most out of your one day in Brussels, take a walking tour in and around Grand Place to see the major sites and learn some local history.

In the afternoon decide between visiting the Royal Palace or taking the metro out to the EU Parlamentarium.

Dedicate any extra time to chocolate tasting and wandering through the beautiful city parks.

Brussels in 3 days

If you have 3 days in Brussels, follow 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. Visitors can enter the giant atom-shaped structure and view exhibits inside.

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

Final thoughts on spending a weekend in Brussels

There you have it – how to spend a perfect weekend in Brussels. I hope this 2-day Brussels itinerary helped you plan your next weekend city break. 

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Until next time,

Tamar