This itinerary shares how to spend one day in Brussels so you can rest assured you have leave having seen the best of Belgium’s capital.
Brussels is an incredible city nestled in the north-central part of the country. It’s often referred to as Europe’s capital because the EU administrative center is headquartered here, but the vibe is far from stuffy!
Instead, it has a stylish, relaxed, and urban yet historic feeling, and it’s hard not to fall in love with the delicious local food and ornate center square. Plus, it’s conveniently located to Belgium’s top places to visit like Antwerp and Ghent, making it day trip worthy.
This guide shares what to see in Brussels for a day, plus more incredible things to do, where to stay, eat, and more. Without further adieu, here are the best things to do in Brussels in a day to ensure you have a perfect Brussels day trip.
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How Many Days in Brussels?
As Belgium’s largest city, you may be surprised to learn that you only need 1-3 days to see Brussels. Although the city is beautiful and does have lots to do, it’s like many other European cities. However, it can make for a great jumping off point to see other destinations around the country.
When we first visited Brussels, we did it as a day trip with an overnight stay, and I felt like it was the perfect amount of time for an introduction to the city.
When to Visit Brussels
Brussels experiences all four seasons, but winter is relatively mild, making it a great place to visit year-round. But of course, the summer weather makes it an especially lovely time to visit, and spring and fall are runner-ups.
Brussels also has various exciting events throughout the year to keep in mind, like the biannual (every two years) Flower Carpet festival held in August. Or if you happen to be around to experience the annual Brussels Christmas markets from November to December, you’re in for a treat!
Getting Around Brussels
Brussels may be a big city, but the downtown area is very walkable, making it easy to get between attractions. However, some cool spots are a bit of a hike if you don’t have a car.
One of the best ways to get around Brussels is with an electric scooter. Be sure to download the Lime or Bird app for cheap and fun rides around the city!
Otherwise, Brussels is pretty well connected by metro and bus. You can check the schedule on the official website here: STIB-MIVB.
Where to Stay in Brussels
Looking to extend your Brussels day trip by staying over? That’s what we did to get a full day in Brussels. The absolute best place to stay is downtown near the Grand Place as this is where most of the things to do in Brussels can be found.
We stayed at the Hotel Hubert Grand Place and enjoyed our time there. It was clean and nicely decorated, conveniently located downtown, and reasonably priced compared to other central Brussels hotels (about $100/night when we stayed).
But I know everyone has different travel tastes, so here are some other excellent downtown Brussels hotels to consider (and to help take the hassle out of planning):
$ Sleep Well Youth Hostel offers privates and dorm beds for backpackers at affordable rates that include breakfast.
$$ Hotel Indigo Brussels rocks insanely cool decor and also welcomes pets!
$$$ Juliana Hotel Brussels is a 5-star hotel with a pool, spa + fitness center.
Brussels Airbnb Grand Place Brussels Flats 5 is a cozy and stylish apartment, feet from the Grand Place.
»See More Brussels accommodation options
10 Best Things to Do in Brussels in a Day
If you’re looking for a one day in Brussels itinerary, this circular route offers a perfect introduction to Belgium’s biggest city. My travel style is to cram in as much as possible, so this itinerary may feel a little jam-packed if you’re more laid back. But it’s a great starting point for you to customize, cut, add etc. until it’s perfect for you.
After this list, I share even more incredible things to do in Brussels so you can have all the options when creating your own perfect trip to Brussels.
One small change to this itinerary I already recommend is putting the brewery tour or beer tasting earlier, especially if you’re driving home. But no matter the order, these are definitely (IMHO) the best things to do in Brussels in a day!
1. St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 6:00pm
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral is Belgium’s national church, dating back to medieval times. Architecture buffs will appreciate that it’s a beautiful example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, and those who don’t know anything about architecture (like me) will simply appreciate its grandeur.
You don’t need much time here, just enough to pop in and admire the beauty. It’s free to enter, but you can pay €1 to see the original foundations of the church.
2. Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is an ornate shopping center filled with cute cafes, chocolatiers, and other charming shops. The architecture in and of itself is an attraction, and the building features glass ceilings and pretty filigree. If you don’t come for the chocolates and treats, at least come for the Insta pic!
3. Delirium Café
The Delirium Café is another place that tops the charts as one of the best things to do, and if you only have one day in Brussels (and you like beer), this stop should be a priority.
This famous bar has over 2,000 beers on offer from all over the world, guaranteeing something for everyone. If you can’t decide, I recommend having a glass of a classic Delirium draft, a Belgium-founded brew.
4. The Grand Place
The Brussels Grand Place is a large town square that’s definitely the highlight of any Brussels day trip. The square is enclosed on all four sides by beautiful and historic buildings dating back to the 1300s, and many have eye-catching gold accents that glint in the sun.
While in the square, be sure to snap a photo of the gothic Brussels Town Hall and Brussels City Museum, two iconic landmarks that offer more to do if you have the time.
5. Eat Chocolate, Waffles, Fries, and other Belgian goodies.
Belgium is a wonderful place for snack lovers, and no trip is complete without indulging in classic Belgian treats while in Brussels. Some of the best things to eat here include Belgian chocolates, waffles, and frites. Stands serving these goodies are plentiful, and you don’t have to look far when hunger strikes. But here’s a breakdown of some “best” recs.
Belgian fries, or frites, are double fried and come with delish dipping options. Some of the best frites stands in Brussels are: Fritland, Friterie Tabora, and Café Georgette.
When craving waffles, there are two types to choose from: Liege style (sugary, oval, often without toppings) and Brussels style (rectangular and drenched in toppings). Popular waffle stops are Maison Dandoy and Waffle Factory.
6. Manneken Pis
The Manneken Pis is Brussel’s mascot and is the definitive icon of the city. It’s a small water fountain on an unsuspecting corner of the city center, but what makes it unique is the little bronze statue of a boy peeing into a pool.
It’s not the most exciting landmark ever, but locals have fun with it and dress the little cherub in different costumes to celebrate various events throughout the year.
7. Notre Dame Du Sablon
Admission: free | Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm
The Notre Dame Du Sablon is a gorgeous cathedral located outside the main city center area in the nearby upscale Sablon neighborhood. It was built in the 15th century and features numerous works of art, statues, and impressive stainless glass windows. It’s free to enter the church, and it’s open for visitors daily.
8. Square of Petit Sablon
Admission: free | Opening Hours: 8:00am – 5:40pm
Just across the street from the Notre Dame Du Sablon is the Square of Petit Sablon. You can’t miss it, as it’s a lush and beautifully landscaped neo-Renaissance garden complete with a fountain and various statues. You don’t need much time here, but I do recommend taking a few minutes to stroll through the gardens and just appreciate the natural beauty.
9. Koningsplein + Royal Palace of Brussels + Brussels Park
Admission: free | Opening Hours: 10:30am – 5:00pm Tues-Sun, summers only
Less than a 10-minute walk from the Notre Dame Du Sablon and the garden is the Koningsplein and Royal Palace. On your walk to the palace, you’ll pass Koningsplein, which is a big and busy square surrounded by historic buildings and a monument in the center dedicated to Godfrey of Bouillon.
Belgium is a constitutional monarchy, and the Royal Palace of Brussels is a massive palace that’s the official headquarters for the country’s queen and king (although they don’t actually live there). It’s possible to tour the grand rooms and throne only in the summer, traditionally between the end of June to September.
Even if you’re visiting outside of palace opening hours, it’s still worth walking to and seeing. There’s also a beautiful park right behind the palace that offers a nice place to sit and take a break.
10. Brussels Museum of the Gueuze / Cantillon Brewery Tour
Admission: €7 (self-guided tour) €10 (guided) | Self-Guided Hours: M/Tu/Th/Fr from 10:00am – 4:00pm | Guided tours in English: Saturdays, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm
The Brussels Museum of the Gueuze, or Cantillon Brewery, is a working museum that offers a tour that I rank as one of the coolest brewery tours I’ve done. This traditional brewery is one of the few remaining places that makes beer as it was made back in the day – through spontaneous fermentation. Spontaneous fermentation is the process of brewing where yeast isn’t added, but rather the beer is left uncovered to ferment from the natural microorganisms in the air.
The guided tour is 1.5 hours long, and at the end, you can enjoy a sampling of three drafts. You can also do a 1-hour self-guided tour which also includes the tasting. I recommend trying the Gueuze-Lambic (no added yeast, traditional beer) and a kriek (cherry beer). You must book your visit online in advance.
There are other brewery tours in Brussels and even Brussels Beer Tasting Tours you can take if you want to experience more than just the Cantillon Brewery.
Map of One Day Brussels Itinerary
If you do all of the above stops listed and in that order, it makes for an excellent circular tour of the city. According to Google, it’s about a 2-mile loop that is super doable, especially with snack breaks in between.
The loop doesn’t include the Cantillon Brewery as it’s a bit from the center, and I recommend driving or busing there before or after this walking tour.
10 More Exciting Things to Do in Brussels
Brussels is a relatively large city, so some of the other top attractions are a bit away from the city center. These other things to do may be difficult to squeeze into your one day in Brussels visit, but I wanted to call them out in case they interest you.
Atomium
Admission: €16 | Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm
The Atomium is an eye-catching silver monument built like, well, an atom! Originally constructed as a temporary exhibition in 2006, it was so popular that Brussels made it permanent.
Today, it’s possible to go up to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city. It also has stayed true to its original purpose and has exhibits dedicated to technology and the city’s history. You can find the Atomium a 20-minute drive north of downtown.
Mini Europe
Admission: €17.30 (€18.70 combo ticket with Atomium) | Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Mini Europe is a charming park and sculpture garden surrounding the Atomium. It features miniature reproductions of some of Europe’s most famous landmarks. It’s best for history buffs or families traveling with kids.
You can purchase a combo ticket that allows you to enter Mini Europe and the Atomium at a discounted rate.
Parc du Cinquantenaire + Triumphal Arch
The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a large public park and garden built in 1880 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Belgian Revolution. The park’s focal point is the Triumphal Arch, an extensive series of columns dedicated to the military.
The park is 13 minutes via public transportation from the Grand Place square. You can take the metro to the Schuman or Merode stops.
Mont des Arts Garden
The Mont des Arts Garden is a beautiful green space in the city, located between the Grand Place and the Royal Palace of Brussels. The garden is at the top of steep steps, which provide an excellent elevated view of the neighborhood below.
Law Courts of Brussels and City View
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm
This courthouse is a giant, beautiful building that houses the most important courts in Belgium. It’s an excellent example of neoclassical architecture and offers a great view of the city from above. There’s also a WWI monument in the front.
You can go inside the building to marvel at the architecture, but it’s sometimes closed and requires a security screening.
Musical Instruments Museum
Admission: €15 | Opening Hours: 9:30am – 7:00pm (opens 10:00am on weekends)
The Musical Instruments Museum is housed in the historic Old England building, a beautiful example of Art Nouveau on one side and neoclassical on the other. This museum is dedicated to showing off historic and antique musical instruments and is def for those interested in music. The building also has a great view of the city from the upper level.
Brussels City Museum
Admission: €10 | Opening Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm (closed Monday)
The Brussels City Museum is in the Grand Place at the heart of the city and is undoubtedly one of the best museums in Brussels. It houses exhibits, art, artifacts, and more depicting the ancient history of Brussels up to modern times.
If you don’t go into the museum, it’s at least worth the effort to marvel at the beautiful building. It’s a prime example of neo-gothic architecture. This building is also called Broodhuis in Dutch and Maison du Roi in French. You can buy tickets online in advance.
Le Botanique
Opening Hours: Seasonal
Le Botanique is an expansive, terraced park with botanical garden greenhouses, statues, themed gardens and city views. Parts of the garden are open 24 hours while others are subjected to seasonal hours.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Admission: €15 | Opening Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm (11:00am – 6:00pm weekends)
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are a group of six different museums in Brussels dedicated to preserving art from Belgium and various time periods/places. Tickets are purchased as combo tickets (entry to multiple museums), with various combos to choose from depending on which museums you wish to enter.
Het Zinneke
The Het Zinneke is a funny little bronze statue of a dog peeing on a pole. This quirky work of art is less of a thing to do and more of a small stopover. This is the city of the Manneken Pis, after all!
What + Where to Eat in Brussels
One thing I really liked about Brussels was all of the fantastic food options. It was actually a little overwhelming trying to pick, and honestly, I could do another trip to Brussels solely for the food.
But here are some notable places to eat in Brussels:
- Maison Dandoy: popular and pricey waffles that are delicious and worth trying
- Friterie Tabora: popular place to grab Belgian frites
- Aux Merveilleux de Fred: a nice pastry shop in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
- Creme Brussels: a cool brunch spot near the Notre Dame
- Elizabeth or Wittamer are highly rated chocolate shops
- Manhattn’s Burgers: burger joint with an outdoor terrace on a busy strip of restaurants
- Fin de Siecle: relaxed restaurant serving amazing traditional Belgian food – very good
- Brewdog: A Scottish brewery with a modern interior, great bar food, and unique brews
Brussels Travel Tips
Visiting Brussels was a breeze, but here are some things to keep in mind during your visit:
- Belgium has three official languages, Flemish, French, and German. And Brussels is in the French-speaking part of the country.
- Because of this, Brussels is very English-friendly.
- Brussels is in a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which means if you’re driving, you’ll need to check if your car meets local emission standards. You’ll need to register it and pay for a day pass to drive in without getting a ticket if it doesn’t.
- Consider a one day transit pass if your Brussels itinerary involves lots of far-off stops and bus rides, which costs €7.80
- Another money-saving pass is the Brussels City card, which provides discounted entry into certain attractions and includes rides on public transportation.