Brussels in 2 Days

Condensing your Brussels adventure into a 2-day itinerary means focusing on the city’s most iconic and can’t-miss attractions. Here’s how you can maximize your experience:

Day 1: Grand Place and Cultural Highlights

Morning: Grand Place and Surroundings

• Start Time: 09:00
• End Time: 11:00
• Time Allocation: 2 hours
• Cost: Free for exploring, museum entries vary (~€10 each)
• Description: Start at the heart of Brussels with the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate buildings and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the Brussels City Museum and the Belgian Brewers Museum to immerse yourself in the city’s history and beer culture.

Late Morning to Afternoon: Manneken Pis and Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

• Start Time: 11:30
• End Time: 14:30
• Time Allocation: 3 hours (including lunch)
• Cost: Free to see the statues; shopping and dining costs vary
• Description: Visit the famous Manneken Pis, a symbol of Brussels’ irreverent humor. Nearby, explore the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert for exquisite shopping and dining options, ideal for a lunch break.

Afternoon: Belgian Comic Strip Center

• Start Time: 15:00
• End Time: 17:00
• Time Allocation: 2 hours
• Cost: €10
• Description: Dive into the world of Belgian comics at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, celebrating iconic characters like Tintin and the Smurfs.

Evening: Explore the Sablon Area

• Start Time: 17:30
• End Time: 20:00
• Time Allocation: 2.5 hours (including dinner)
• Cost: Dining costs vary
• Description: End your day in the Sablon neighborhood, renowned for its antiques, chocolate shops, and cozy restaurants, perfect for enjoying Belgian cuisine.

Day 2: Atomium and European Quarter

Morning: Atomium

• Start Time: 09:00
• End Time: 12:00
• Time Allocation: 3 hours
• Cost: €15
• Description: Begin your day with a visit to the Atomium, an iconic symbol of Brussels offering panoramic city views. If time allows, Mini-Europe is nearby, featuring miniatures of famous European landmarks.

Afternoon: European Quarter

• Start Time: 13:00
• End Time: 16:00
• Time Allocation: 3 hours
• Cost: Free for outdoor exploration, some institutions may have entrance fees
• Description: Explore the European Quarter, home to key EU institutions. Visit the Parc Leopold for a relaxing stroll, and if interested, take a guided tour of the European Parliament to learn about European governance.

Late Afternoon to Evening: Royal Museum of Fine Arts

• Start Time: 16:30
• End Time: 19:00
• Time Allocation: 2.5 hours
• Cost: €15
• Description: Conclude your visit at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, housing a rich collection of art from the Flemish masters to modern works. It’s a serene way to end your journey through Brussels’ culture and history.

Dinner Recommendation: Choose a restaurant in the area around the museum or back in the city center to enjoy a final Belgian meal, reflecting on the trip.

This 2-day itinerary ensures you experience the essence of Brussels, covering both the historic heart of the city and its role as a modern European capital. It offers a balanced mix of art, culture, history, and culinary delights, tailored for a memorable short stay.