Brussels, the heart of the European Union, mixes old-world charm with the modern age. As the capital of Belgium, there is so much to experience that it’s almost overwhelming. You will feel the buzz of the city coming alive as you take in all this destination offers.
Get the Brussels City Card
We recommend purchasing the Brussels City Card if you are staying in the city for two or more days. It offers multiple benefits, including free entry to the many museums and discounts on guided tours, restaurants, public transportation, and other attractions. Having this card makes your life a little easier and a time saver, but it is also better in the long run, as Belgium can be expensive.
Top Recommendations for Brussels
Grand Place (Grote Markt)
This should be your first stop, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is the center and soul of the city. Once you arrive, you will believe this is the most beautiful square in the world. You may notice the different architectural styles in buildings like the Brussels City Museum and Town Hall.
We suggest you go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds, as this place starts to get packed almost as soon as the sun is up. Many of Brussels’s walking tours have the Grand Place as the meeting point. When the buildings become illuminated in the evening, there is just a change in the energy at this magnificent city landmark.
Extra Attraction: Monument à Éverard t’Serclaes
Situated near the Grand Place on Charles Buls street is the monument à Éverard t’Serclaes. This citizen of Brussels became a folk hero for retaking the city from the County of Flanders. Locals state that it brings luck and grants wishes. If you also rub your hand on the statue from the top of the head on the left, all the way down to the end, you receive this luck and will also ensure your return to Brussels.
Mont Des Arts
A small but centrally located recreational garden and park on a hill is a great place to take a break from walking and just observe. Well maintained, it’s surrounded by several of Brussels’ iconic museums and statues and has overlooking views of the historic center as the garden stretches out.
Extra Attraction: Carillon du Mont des Arts
On the right side of the Mont des Arts, a musical star-shaped clock is. It’s been carefully crafted with colorful automation figures representing Belgian citizens. Wait for the hour to strike and listen to the bells playing the melody—another way Brussels and Belgium showcase their musical heritage.
Royal Palace
The symbol of the Belgian monarchy is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. You won’t see the royal family members as they live in a separate residence, but all the business is completed here.
It’s only open during the summer (July-September) for visitors to explore some main rooms, like the throne room, and view exhibitions on Belgian history and the monarchy. However, you can still take photos outside this majestic building if you aren’t visiting while it is open.
Extra Attraction: Brussels Park
What you want to do after is go across the street to Brussels Park. Formerly, the Royal Park is the oldest in the city and was the first to be made public for the citizens. The park has wide walking paths with lined trees and classic statues. You can sit at one of the many benches or grab a daytime drink at the Radio Kiosk. The walk is short and sweet, but worth visiting and enjoying on a sunny day.
Just Wander
Sometimes the best thing you can do is have no plan and leisurely explore the streets. That’s the best way to dive into a new place and find the hidden local gems. You could find a new waffle place for dessert or discover a lesser-known chocolate establishment. See new street artwork and exhibitions. If you see something interesting, take a walk inside or make a right instead of a left, or vice versa. Don’t always follow the plan; you might get an even more memorable story to take home.
Museums
Belgian Beer World
This place hits the trifecta for beer, museum, and Belgian culture lovers. It’s a state-of-the-art interactive museum that showcases the rich heritage of beer culture and its history, from its religious beginnings and business proceedings to the brewing process and techniques.
Take the questionnaire at the end of the museum tour to help you find the perfect Belgian beer to fit your taste buds and personality. Then, head up to the rooftop bar to sample your selection while enjoying panoramic city views.
Comic Art Museum
You may be surprised to learn that Belgium is the third-largest publisher of comic books and strips, behind the United States and Japan, and the leading country in Europe. Since the 1920s, this has become an integral part of the culture here. Some best-selling comic authors are initially from Belgium or have spent part of their career there.
The museum highlights these artists’ contributions and works, with a timeline, sculptures of specific characters, and a reading area to sit down and relax. It’s a unique but niche museum for specifically interested visitors.
Outside the museum, as you stroll the streets of Brussels, try to locate the comic street art on buildings that the city commissioned.
Brussels City Museum
Here, you can better understand Brussels’s origins. Discover how it was formed and developed during medieval times with a model-size display of the entire city and its borders. Then, see the Renaissance period with paintings and sculptures. Located in the Grand Place, it’s reasonably priced and takes at least an hour to view everything.
BeLvue Museum
One of the recommended museums to learn about the history and culture of the Belgian people is next to the royal palace. Its main exhibits and key illustrations focus on the core values of the modern country and its society, including democracy, language, and migration. You will learn and see the statistics of this welcoming country that has become a multi-ethnic and multi-language destination for many.
Where to Eat
Gare Maritime Food Market
You need to spend at least one evening at this former train station turned food market. The food choices are modern street food concepts from top chefs. You have 10 international cuisine choices, including Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Korean, and, of course, Belgian.
The hall is large enough that special events are held throughout the month, so check the calendar and make it a memorable experience.
Optional Day Trips
If you have already been to Brussels or have extra time here, a day trip should be part of your itinerary. With Rail Europe, you can visit great destinations less than several hours away.
Most recommend a one-hour train ride to Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp. If you go to Bruges, you get the bonus option of stopping in Ghent. Both cities have stunning medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and amazing canal tours. If you are looking for fantastic shopping options, choose Antwerp, as it’s the fashion capital of Belgium.
Choosing to go South will take you to Namur and Dinant. Each is located in Wallonia (southern Belgium) along the Meuse River, where you can enjoy great scenic river views and the cultural gems. History buffs can also take the short train ride to Waterloo to see the famous battleground.
Conclusion
Two days in Brussels is just enough time to experience the city’s blend of historic and modern. You’ll delight in the cuisine, mix of cultures, and impressive buildings. This trip itinerary from my travels was just a tiny part of Brussels. I know that I will need to visit again.