Chocolate shops, beer, astonishing architecture, museums, parks, and plenty of other fun things to do – what more does a traveler need when going on a city break in one of the most beautiful places in Belgium? And though two days in Brussels don’t sound like a lot of time, fear not.
It is an extremely walkable city, so it is possible to achieve a lot, even in only 48 hours, so let’s dive into this itinerary that will help you make the most of your time.
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*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
To learn more about the city, consider taking one of these free walking tours of Brussels!
Where to Stay for Two Days in Brussels
Brussels is quite a compact city, so many accommodations are within easy reach of the main attractions and the city center.
Art de Sejour: Housed in a 19th-century townhouse, this small bed & breakfast offers spacious double rooms with all the amenities you’ll need, full continental breakfast, and a central location only a few minutes from the city’s main square. Book your stay here.
B&B Villa 36: This bed & breakfast offers a central location, cozy double rooms, a shared terrace, and a highly-rated continental breakfast. Read reviews and book it here.
Brussels Card – Worth It or Not?
The user-friendly 48-hour Brussels Card offers free access to almost all the museums in the city.
It also includes discounts on other tourist attractions, restaurants, chocolate shops (including one shop of Godiva, aka one of the best Belgian chocolate brands), walking tours, and much more.
BUT should you get it? If you’re not changing anything on this itinerary, I don’t think you need to buy it.
However, if you take some of the suggestions I’ve added (in the ‘other things to do’ section of this post) and visit some more museums, you should definitely get a Brussels Card that would save you money and let you visit them for free.
Note that it doesn’t include free use of public transportation.
2 Days in Brussels – Day One
Stop 1: Breakfast
What would a European city break be without some relaxing morning time at a local cafe? If you love supporting small businesses, head to the cozy Boudin Cafe in the Royal Quarter for breakfast and a cup of high-quality specialty coffee.
Address: Rue Ravenstein 20.
Stop 2: Parc de Bruxelles & Royal Palace
One of the best things to do in Brussels is to stroll down to the well-manicured Parc de Bruxelles. Admire the statues and enjoy sweeping views of the Royal Palace, which lies just across the street.
If you’re visiting in summer, you’ll be happy to know that it opens its doors to the public for free (see the exact dates here).
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also the administrative office of the king, will remain etched in your mind for a long time. Enjoy the decor of the Empire Room and other classically decorated chambers in the palace.
Nearby, you can also marvel at the 11th-century Gothic-style Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, the country’s national church and one of the most amazing landmarks in the city.
Photo 42533776 © Sergey Dzyuba | Dreamstime.com
Stop 3: Old England Building (Musical Instruments Museum) and Lunch
Exit the palace and head to the beautiful Old England Building (Rue Montagne de la Cour, 2) to see the most extensive collection of musical instruments in the world.
Take the elevator to the tenth floor and enjoy a fabulous lunch at the rooftop restaurant (currently closed for renovation).
Price: €15 (Free with the Brussels Card).
Stop 4: Grand Place
There are many reasons to visit Belgium, and one of them is the beautiful architecture.
Your next stop is one of the most stunning squares in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Grand Place (on your way, be sure to pass through the Mont des Arts Garden).
The square is surrounded by architecturally mesmerizing buildings, including the city’s Town Hall and the Brussels City Museum.
The symbol of the civilized city of Brussels is the 17th-century bronze statue of a boy – Manneken Pis, which you will come across in most souvenir shops.
The original is located not very far from the Grand Place (on the corner of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne) and depicts a chirpy little fellow peeing away merrily.
It has quite a few European legends connected to it, including a story of a witch who turned him into a statue.
Super fun fact: The statue is dressed on fixed dates, and his wardrobe actually contains more than 900 pieces, some of which you can see in this unique museum.
Nice to know: Brussels is known as one of the best winter city breaks in Europe, and the Grand Place is one of the main locations of the city’s Winter Wonders events, so expect Christmas stalls and a lot of twinkling lights and decorations.
Stop 5: Exploring the City Center
Once you are done gawking at the pissing statue, you will notice the city center has some walls displaying comic strips.
The sides of the buildings are adorned with over 60 paintings of famous comic characters like Tin Tin, Asterix & Obelix, and more (check them all out here).
If you’re visiting Brussels with kids, they’ll surely love these colorful murals, though this artistic trail is beloved by adults as well.
To learn more about these artworks, you can even take a themed comic book route tour.
Stop 6: Shopping
Next, you can walk across to Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (Galerie du Roi, 5), the first shopping arcade in Europe, dating back to 1847. This architecturally stunning gallery is sure to take up the rest of the day.
Even if you’re not buying anything at the high-end fashion and design boutiques, you can still splurge on Belgian chocolate at one of the 5+ on-site chocolate shops or just wander around.
Stop 7: Dinner
To end your epic day one in style, savor a delicious Belgian dinner at Le Marmiton (Rue des Bouchers, 43), adjacent to the shopping mall. Be sure to make a reservation online.
Brussels in 2 Days – Day Two
Stop 1: Breakfast
Depending on where you’ve chosen to stay, here are a few fantastic places to have your morning coffee:
- Izy Coffee: Rue Auguste Orts, 9.
- Kaffabar: Place Rouppe, 1.
- My Little Cup: Rue de la Croix de Fer, 53.
Stop 2: Parc de Laeken
After a tiring first day, it’s time to have a relaxing outing and unwind on day two. You need to first take the Metro/tram to Laeken, a suburb of Brussels, to reach the iconic Parc de Laeken.
Established more than a hundred years ago, Parc de Laeken is a huge open green area with a large number of attractions such as the Palace of Laeken, and the Royal Greenhouses (only open in spring and must be booked in advance).
Stop 3: Lunch
There aren’t many restaurants in the area (unless you don’t mind some extra walking), so I suggest bringing some yummy treats with you and having a little picnic.
Alternatively, check out the panoramic restaurant of the Atomium, which is our next stop.
Stop 4: The Atomium
The grandest of the crowd pullers in Brussels is undoubtedly the Atomium, so restrict most of your day two for it.
Ironically, it was supposed to be dismantled after its initial use, just like the Eiffel Tower of Paris, but with its increasing popularity over time, it was decided to let it stand.
The Atomium provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Originally constructed in 1958 for the world expo, the building currently houses a museum and art center and is one of the most visited attractions in Europe.
Get your ticket in advance online (you must pick a timeslot for your visit), and note that it automatically includes the option to also visit the Design Museum Brussels. You can also buy a combo ticket to the Atomium + Mini Europe.
Stop 5: Mini Europe
Located just below the Atomium, Mini Europe should be your next stop. It is the only park that showcases the entire continent in just a couple of hours.
Hear the chimes of Big Ben as you pass through London and soak in the charm of Venice, complete with mandolins and gondolas.
There are over 350 models of excellent craftsmanship that depict animated important events with sound and visuals, like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the eruption of Mt Vesuvius, and many more that you can’t find anywhere else.
Get your ticket in advance online or buy a combo ticket to visit the Atomium + Mini Europe.
Photo 172610141 © Mistervlad | Dreamstime.com
Stop 6: Dinner
As I’ve mentioned, this area is not packed with restaurants like the city center, so for great food, walk a few minutes from Mini Europe and get to La Divine Moustache (Romeinsesteenweg, 750) or head back to the city center.
Other Fun Things to Add to Your 2-Day Brussels Itinerary
If you want to mix things up and change this itinerary a bit, check out these suggestions. You can also visit the city as a part of a Belgium road trip or take a day trip and spend a day in Bruges.
Take a Walking Tour or Two
I didn’t always like walking tours, because I prefer exploring a city on my own. BUT over the last couple of years, I’ve tried quite a few unique tours and had great experiences, so now, I always try to find some interesting themed tours.
Apart from a classic free walking tour of Brussels, here are a few unique ones:
Belgian beer tasting tour: We all know that Belgian beers are some of the best in the world, so this is a must-have experience. Check out this highly-rated 2.5-hour tour that includes 4 tastings!
Belgian chocolate tours: You’re in Belgium, so you know you need to have some kind of experience that involves chocolate in Brussels. Check out this highly-rated chocolate and beer-tasting tour or this 4-hour combo tour of chocolate tastings + workshop!
Visit a Few Other Museums
This city is home to some amazing museums, so here are a few interesting suggestions you can add to your 2-day Brussels itinerary (most can be visited for free with the Brussels Card):
– Comics Art Museum and MOOF Museum: Two super fun and quirky museums dedicated to comic artists and characters.
– Choco-Story: Who doesn’t love a good old chocolate museum? You can buy your ticket online, at the museum itself, or get a Brussels Card and visit for free.
– Jewish Museum of Belgium.
– Magritte Museum: Holds the famous Belgian artist’s largest collection in the world!
– The Beer Museum of the Belgian Brewers: Showcasing the history of Belgian beer.
– Toy Museum: An impressive collection of about 25,000 toys, when the oldest one dates back to 1830 (not gonna lie – there’s something a bit creepy about old toys).
– Museum of Natural Sciences.
– Halle Gate: A medieval fairytale-like building that houses a history museum and offers panoramic views over Brussels.
Visit a Few Other Parks and Gardens
From the Botanical Garden of Brussels to Stuyvenberg Park to Cinquantenaire Park, there’s no shortage of green areas in this beautiful city.
Photo 143191915 © Tose | Dreamstime.com
Wander Around the City’s Markets
I just love wandering around local markets when I’m traveling. Even if I’m not buying anything, I like seeing the local produce and doing some people-watching (not in a creepy way, obviously).
Here are a few markets to check out in Brussels:
– Midi Market (Boulevard du Midi): Only operating on Sundays from 7 AM till 2 PM, it is the 3rd largest market in Europe!
– Jeu de Balle Square’s Flea Market: Open every day from 9 AM to 2 PM.
– Grand Sablon Antique Market: Operating on weekends only.
There are also plenty of amazing day trips from Brussels (including some beautiful castles near the city), but if you only have 48 hours, I’d focus on the city itself.
Where to Eat in Brussels
Quality dining is a specialty in Brussels. Having said that, it is important to know where the prices are fair and preferred by locals to steer clear of tourist traps.
Rather than looking for a particular dish, choose an area that has a good atmosphere and offers different cuisines.
For the best Belgian, French, or Italian food, the Place du Chatelain area along Rue du Page has a mix of lively restaurants. Another great place to dine out is on the road adjacent to the church of St Boniface.
Here you will find a line of diners waiting for their turn, especially during weekends from evening onwards. Small restaurants serving food and beverages can also be found around Palace Stephaine.
Mussels and fries are the firm Belgian favorites and must be tried, along with a local glass of beer. Belgium produces over 400 different varieties, suitable for every palate, even for those who don’t relish the drink.
Getting From the Airport to the City Center
Compared to other European airports, the Zaventem International Airport is just 12 km from the city and brings you to the city center in less than thirty minutes.
Trains leave the airport frequently and take just 18 minutes to get to Brussels Central Station (you can buy your ticket in advance). Keep time reserved for the trip from the station to your hotel.
Private taxis are also available, but be sure to look only for licensed taxis, which can be identified by the yellow-blue license marks.
Your cheapest option is taking the bus, which brings you to the city center in around thirty minutes, depending on the traffic density. See your options here.
Other European City Breaks
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Love Brussel my favourite destination
This is a great guide! I have never been to Belgium so visiting is super high on my list and I love packing as much as I can into a couple days in a new city. Thanks for the tips and hopefully I will be able to use them when we are able to travel again 🙂
I’m so happy you find it helpful! Crossing my fingers that traveling will be normal soon 🙂