Brussels Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Perfect Days

One of the things that surprised us most about Brussels was how divided people’s opinions were.

Before our trip in November 2023, we asked several friends what they thought of the Belgian capital. Some described it as one of their favourite European cities, while others told us they wouldn’t go back. Naturally, we arrived with mixed expectations.

After spending two days exploring Brussels, we understood why opinions differ so much.

Unlike cities such as Paris, London or Rome, Brussels isn’t a destination built around a single iconic landmark. Instead, its charm lies in its elegant squares, impressive architecture, fascinating museums, leafy parks, world-famous Belgian chocolate, crispy waffles and rich beer culture. It’s a city that rewards travellers who take the time to wander beyond the obvious.

We genuinely enjoyed our visit and found Brussels to be far more interesting than we had expected.

In this guide, we’ll share the exact 2-day Brussels itinerary we followed, covering the city’s main attractions, practical transport tips and a few extra suggestions if you have more time.

Our Belgium trip also included one day in Bruges and half a day in Antwerp, which we’ll cover in separate guides.

Read also: Bruges: What to See – 1-Day Itinerary

Brussels at a Glance

• Country: Belgium
• Time needed: 2 days
• Best for: First-time visitors and weekend breaks
• Getting around: Mostly on foot, with the metro for longer distances
• Main airport: Brussels Airport (BRU)
• Alternative airport: Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
• Best time to visit: April to June and September to October
• Don’t miss: Grand Place; Atomium; Mont des Arts; Royal Palace; European Quarter; Belgian waffles; Belgian chocolate

How to Get to Brussels

Brussels is one of Europe’s easiest capitals to reach, thanks to its excellent air and rail connections.

By plane

The city is served by two airports:

• Brussels Airport (BRU) is located around 15 km from the city centre and offers direct train, bus, taxi and rideshare connections.
• Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is approximately 60 km south of Brussels and is mainly used by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair. During our trip from Porto, we flew into Charleroi and used the Flibco airport shuttle, which we found convenient and straightforward.

Before travelling, it’s worth comparing transfer options, as prices can vary depending on your arrival time.

By train

Brussels is well connected to several European cities through high-speed rail services, including London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne.

The city’s three main railway stations are:

• Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels South)
• Bruxelles-Central
• Bruxelles-Nord (Brussels North)

If you’re travelling around Belgium, trains are also one of the easiest ways to reach Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp.

How to Get Around Brussels

Brussels is a surprisingly walkable city.

Most of the attractions in the historic centre are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.

For attractions located further away, such as the Atomium or the European Quarter, we recommend using the metro. It’s fast, affordable and easy to navigate.

If you’re only spending two days in Brussels, you’ll probably only need public transport a few times.

2-day Brussels itinerary

Now that you know how to get to Brussels and around the city, let’s start exploring.

This 2-day Brussels itinerary covers the city’s most iconic landmarks, museums, viewpoints and neighbourhoods, while leaving enough flexibility to enjoy the city’s cafés, chocolate shops and famous waffles along the way.

Day 1: Exploring Brussels’ Historic Centre

Our first day in Brussels was dedicated to the city’s historic centre, where many of its most famous landmarks are located within walking distance of one another. This route combines historic squares, impressive architecture, museums and some of Belgium’s best-known culinary traditions, making it an excellent introduction for first-time visitors.

Allow a full day for this itinerary, especially if you plan to visit the museums in the afternoon.

Grand Place (Grote Markt)

No visit to Brussels is complete without seeing the Grand Place (Grote Markt), the city’s magnificent central square and one of the most beautiful in Europe. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been the heart of Brussels for centuries and is surrounded by richly decorated guild houses, historic buildings and impressive Baroque architecture.

Although we’ve visited many beautiful squares across Europe, the Grand Place genuinely exceeded our expectations. The level of detail on the façades is remarkable, and it’s one of those places where photographs simply don’t capture the scale and atmosphere.

We recommend visiting at least twice during your stay: once during the day to admire the architectural details and again after sunset, when the square is beautifully illuminated. In the evening, the lighting creates a completely different atmosphere and makes the Grand Place feel even more magical.

Among the square’s most notable buildings are:

• Brussels Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
• Maison du Roi (King’s House)
• Maison des Ducs de Brabant
• Le Pigeon
• The Everard t’Serclaes Monument, which many visitors touch for good luck.

Recommended visit: 30–45 minutes

Brussels Stock Exchange (Bourse de Bruxelles)

Just a short walk from the Grand Place stands the beautifully restored Brussels Stock Exchange, also known as the Bourse de Bruxelles.

This wasn’t originally on our itinerary, but its grand architecture immediately caught our attention and convinced us to step inside. The elegant interior was an unexpected surprise and quickly became one of our favourite discoveries in the city.

If you have a few extra minutes, it’s well worth stopping here, even if only to admire the impressive neoclassical façade.

A little confession: while editing our photos, we realised we’d somehow forgotten to photograph the front of the building, arguably its most spectacular feature!

Recommended visit: 15–20 minutes

Manneken Pis

Notre-Dame du Sablon

From the city centre, continue towards the elegant Sablon district, one of Brussels’ most attractive neighbourhoods.

Here you’ll find the beautiful Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon (Notre-Dame du Sablon), widely considered one of the finest examples of Brabantine Gothic architecture in Belgium.

The church is free to enter and is well worth a visit, even if you’re not usually interested in religious buildings. Inside, you’ll find soaring vaulted ceilings, colourful stained-glass windows and an atmosphere that feels remarkably peaceful despite its central location.

Outside, take some time to explore both Grand Sablon and Petit Sablon, two charming squares surrounded by cafés, antique shops and artisan chocolate boutiques.

Petit Sablon Garden is especially worth visiting thanks to its beautifully landscaped grounds, ornamental fountains and dozens of statues representing historic Belgian guilds.

Recommended visit: 45–60 minutes

Place Royale & St Jacques-sur-Coudenberg Church

A pleasant uphill walk brings you to Place Royale, one of Brussels’ most elegant squares.

This neoclassical square is surrounded by several important cultural institutions, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Magritte Museum, both of which we’ll visit later in the afternoon.

Dominating one side of the square is St Jacques-sur-Coudenberg Church, a beautiful neoclassical church that is free to enter. Although its interior is relatively simple compared with some of Brussels’ Gothic churches, its spacious nave and bright white décor create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

This is also a great place to pause for a few minutes before continuing towards the Royal Palace.

Recommended visit: 20–30 minutes

Royal Palace of Brussels

From Place Royale, it’s only a short walk to the Royal Palace of Brussels, the official administrative residence of the Belgian Royal Family.

Although the royal family doesn’t actually live here (they reside at the Royal Castle of Laeken), the palace remains one of Brussels’ most important landmarks and is still used for official ceremonies and state functions.

The palace is only open to visitors during the summer, typically from late July to early September. Since we visited in November, we could only admire it from the outside, but we still felt it was well worth including in our itinerary.

Its elegant neoclassical façade, the perfectly maintained gardens and the wide boulevard leading to the palace make this one of the city’s most photogenic areas.

Directly opposite the palace you’ll find Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles), the oldest public park in the city, as well as the Belgian Federal Parliament.

If the weather is pleasant, this is an ideal place to slow down for a few minutes before continuing your walk.

Recommended visit: 20–30 minutes

Mont des Arts

One of our favourite viewpoints in Brussels was Mont des Arts, literally translated as “Hill of the Arts”.

This cultural complex links Brussels’ Upper Town with the historic centre and is home to several of the city’s most important institutions, including the Royal Library of Belgium and the National Archives of Belgium. It also marks the beginning of Brussels’ museum district.

However, most visitors come here for one reason: the panoramic view.

From the beautifully landscaped gardens, you’ll enjoy one of the best vistas in Brussels, stretching across the rooftops of the city towards the Town Hall spire of the Grand Place.

Another highlight is the Carillon du Mont des Arts, an unusual twelve-pointed star-shaped clock that has become popular on social media thanks to its unique design.

If you’re visiting on a sunny day, this is one of the best places to sit for a while, enjoy the atmosphere and take in the skyline.

Recommended visit: 30–45 minutes

After exploring Mont des Arts, we stopped for lunch before spending the afternoon discovering two of Belgium’s most important art museums.

If you enjoy art, history or museums, we recommend setting aside several hours for this part of the itinerary.

Magritte Museum

We began our afternoon at the Magritte Museum, one of the highlights of Brussels for anyone interested in modern art.

Dedicated to the life and work of Belgian surrealist René Magritte, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of his paintings, drawings, photographs and personal documents.

The exhibition follows Magritte’s artistic journey, allowing visitors to see how his distinctive style evolved over the years. Even if you’re only vaguely familiar with his work, you’ll almost certainly recognise famous paintings such as The Son of Man or The Empire of Light.

We found the museum well organised, engaging and easy to explore. It’s an excellent introduction to one of Belgium’s most influential artists.

If you enjoy surrealism or modern art, this museum is well worth adding to your Brussels itinerary.

Recommended visit: 1–1.5 hours

Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Belgium

Located in the same complex, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are among the country’s most important cultural institutions.

Together, the museums hold a collection of more than 20,000 artworks, spanning from the 15th century to the present day. The collections include paintings, sculptures and drawings by both Belgian and international artists, making this one of the most comprehensive art museums in Belgium.

Because of the size of the collection, it’s impossible to see everything in a short visit.

We spent approximately three and a half hours exploring both the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, and we still felt we could have stayed longer.

If museums aren’t your main interest, you can easily shorten your visit. However, if you enjoy art, we recommend allowing plenty of time, as these museums are among the best in Brussels.

Recommended visit: 2–3 hours

After leaving the museums, we had no particular destination in mind.

Instead, we spent the rest of the afternoon doing what we often enjoy most when travelling: simply wandering.

We explored quiet streets, admired the city’s elegant architecture, photographed hidden details on historic buildings and, naturally, couldn’t resist sampling some of Belgium’s most famous treats. Fresh waffles, crispy fries and delicious Belgian chocolate are all part of the Brussels experience, and we made sure not to miss any of them.

Sometimes, the best memories come from moments that aren’t planned at all.

And that was the perfect way to end our first day in Brussels.

Day 2: European Institutions, Parks and Iconic Landmarks

Our second day in Brussels took us beyond the historic centre to discover another side of the city.

From the headquarters of the European Union to one of Belgium’s most recognisable landmarks, this itinerary combines modern history, green spaces, elegant shopping arcades and panoramic city views.

Although you’ll use the metro a couple of times today, the route is straightforward and easy to follow.

European Quarter

We started the day by taking the metro to Schuman Station, the gateway to Brussels’ European Quarter.

Even if you have little interest in politics, this area is worth visiting. As the administrative heart of the European Union, it is home to several key institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.

Walking through the district feels very different from exploring Brussels’ historic centre. Wide boulevards, contemporary architecture and government buildings replace medieval streets, offering a completely different perspective on the city.

One of the most popular attractions here is the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament’s interactive visitor centre.

Although we decided to skip it during our visit, it’s highly recommended if you’d like to learn more about the history, decision-making process and future of the European Union. Admission is free, but booking your time slot in advance is recommended (here), particularly during busy travel periods.

If you’re travelling with children, or simply enjoy natural history, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is also located nearby and is home to one of Europe’s largest dinosaur collections.

Recommended visit: 1–2 hours

Parc du Cinquentenaire

Just a short walk from the European Quarter lies Parc du Cinquantenaire, one of Brussels’ largest and most beautiful urban parks.

Created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence, the park is dominated by its impressive triumphal arch, known as the Arcades du Cinquantenaire, which has become one of the city’s most recognisable monuments.

The landscaped gardens, wide walking paths, fountains and ponds make this an excellent place to take a break from sightseeing.

If the weather is good, consider bringing a coffee and spending some time relaxing before heading back towards the city centre.

Don’t forget to walk beneath the triumphal arch. It’s one of the best photo spots in Brussels.

Recommended visit: 45–60 minutes

After spending the morning in the European Quarter, we headed back towards the historic centre for lunch before continuing our itinerary.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

In the afternoon, we visited one of Brussels’ most elegant landmarks: the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

Opened in 1847, these were among the first covered shopping arcades in Europe and remain one of the city’s most beautiful architectural spaces.

The galleries are divided into three elegant passages covered by a magnificent glass roof and lined with luxury boutiques, independent shops, cafés and some of Brussels’ most famous chocolate makers.

Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, we highly recommend walking through the galleries. The architecture alone makes the visit worthwhile, and it’s also a great place to stop for a coffee, or, even better, some authentic Belgian chocolate.

Recommended visit: 30–45 minutes

Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

A short walk from the galleries brought us to the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula, Brussels’ principal church.

Built over a period of more than 300 years, this magnificent Gothic cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron saints and is considered one of Belgium’s finest religious buildings.

Admission is free, making it an easy addition to any Brussels itinerary.

Inside, you’ll discover soaring vaulted ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows, an impressive Baroque pulpit, an ornate pipe organ and several royal tombs.

The cathedral has also hosted numerous important royal ceremonies, including weddings and state occasions involving the Belgian Royal Family.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture or photography, it’s well worth spending some time exploring the interior.

Recommended visit: 30–45 minutes

Atomium

We ended our two-day itinerary with one of Brussels’ most iconic attractions: the Atomium.

Built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58), the Atomium was originally intended as a temporary structure. Instead, it became the city’s most recognisable modern landmark and one of Belgium’s most visited attractions.

Standing 102 metres tall, the structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and consists of nine interconnected spheres.

During our visit, we chose to admire it from the outside, which is completely free and offers plenty of excellent photo opportunities.

If you decide to go inside, you’ll find exhibitions about the building’s history, temporary art displays and panoramic views across Brussels from the top sphere.

Right next to the Atomium is Mini-Europe, an outdoor park featuring miniature replicas of some of Europe’s most famous landmarks.

We didn’t have enough time to visit, but it’s a popular choice for families and anyone travelling with children.

Recommended visit:

Exterior only: 30–45 minutes
Interior: 1.5–2 hours

Before calling it a day, we made time for one final walk through the city.

Without following a map or a strict plan, we wandered through Brussels’ streets one last time, stopping whenever something caught our attention. Whether it was a beautiful Art Nouveau façade, the irresistible smell of freshly baked waffles or another tempting chocolate shop, these unplanned moments became some of our favourite memories of the trip.

Brussels may not impress everyone at first glance, but we found it to be a city full of character, history and unexpected charm.

If you’re visiting Belgium for the first time, we believe that spending two days in Brussels is the perfect way to discover what makes the country’s capital so unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brussels walkable?

Yes. Most of Brussels’ historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. For attractions located further away, such as the Atomium or the European Quarter, the metro is the quickest and most convenient option.

What is Brussels famous for?

Brussels is best known for the Grand Place, the Atomium, Manneken Pis, Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries, beer and as the headquarters of the European Union.

How many days do you need in Brussels?

For first-time visitors, two days is ideal. It gives you enough time to visit the main landmarks, enjoy several museums and experience the city’s atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Is Brussels expensive?

Brussels is generally more affordable than cities such as London, Paris or Amsterdam, although accommodation in the city centre can be relatively expensive. Museums, public transport and restaurants offer options for most budgets.

What is the best time to visit Brussels?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are generally the best times to visit Brussels, thanks to mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

December is also a popular time to visit because of the city’s famous Christmas Market.

Is Brussels safe for tourists?

Yes. Brussels is generally a safe city for visitors. As with any major European capital, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings in busy tourist areas and around railway stations.

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