Visiting Brussels in One Day: A Short and Sweet Brussels Itinerary
Even if you’ve only got one day in Brussels, Belgium, you can absolutely make the most of it using this Brussels itinerary!
Quite honestly, visiting Brussels wasn’t at the top of my travel bucket-list but, looking back, I’m happy that we decided to check out Belgium’s capital.
At the time, many of you will know that Bri and I were living in Istanbul, Turkey, and so we were keen to use pretty much any chance we got to explore Europe as best as we could before heading back to Canada. One weekend, towards the end of our time there, we saw a deal on a Turkish Airlines flight to Brussels, and we decided to capitalize.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means I may receive a small commission for some of my honest recommendations at zero additional cost to you.
A Bit More About Brussels
Brussels, Belgium is located in the heart of Europe, in the Benelux region. The Benelux is an economically dynamic and densely populated region, containing over 5% of the European population. The city itself has a population of around 1.2 million people and is the largest city in Belgium.
Brussels is an important economic center in Europe and is home to many major international companies, as well as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. It is a hub for finance, business, international trade and diplomacy. Tourism is also a major part of the city's economy.
Where to Stay for a Quick Trip to Brussels
Brussels is a relatively compact city, which is quite walkable and easy to access many areas and its main attractions at once. There are a few popular areas to stay in the city, like Central Brussels, Saint-Gery, Ixelles, and Sablon.
For a short trip to Brussels, I’d recommend staying in Central Brussels so you will be a short distance from the main things to do. Hotel and other accommodation options abound here, and you can find a good variety of price points for your trip, too.
Feel free to use this map to help you decide on the best place to stay in Central for your price point.
How Can You Make the Most of One Day in Brussels?
For starters, I should say that Brussels is a fairly ideal city to tackle in a short period of time, largely because it’s quite compact and a good “walking city.” It’s not terribly unlike Dublin in that sense, and I acknowledged much the same when I wrote about how to spend 2 days in Dublin.
The other thing that I have to say about Brussels is that it’s not necessarily about seeing X, Y, and Z as much as it is about just being there and taking in the atmosphere. For example, I could easily put forth the argument (and I essentially will in the Brussels itinerary below) that you’d be better served eating mussels, drinking beer, and tasting chocolate than trying to pack in a variety of museums.
The best time to visit Brussels, objectively, is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, though spring and autumn are rather nice as well (plus there are less tourists outside of the summer). There are plenty of fair-weather activities to see and do in the city, including visiting museums, galleries, and parks, and enjoying the many festivals, events, and nightlife.
Spend Ample Time at the Grand Place (Grote Markt)
If you spent your entire day in Brussels just in the Grand Place, I wouldn’t blame you at all. If you never made it to the Grand Place, I certainly would. It is, simply put, one of the most picturesque central squares in all of Europe.
For starters, you cannot miss the chance to set eyes on the Guild Houses. The Guild Houses (or Guildhalls), are a physical representation of the power of the craft guilds that were a huge part of both Belgian and European economic life not all that long ago. They essentially were like ancient unions that represented members of different crafts.
The Guild Houses in the Grand Place of Brussels are about as opulent as you can get, and they’ve clearly done a remarkable job of restoration, as my guess is that they look as vibrant today as the day when they were built.
You’ll also want to take a moment to admire and photograph Brussels Town Hall which would be fairly hard to miss if you’re standing in the Grand Place. It’s a Gothic building that dates back to the Middle Ages, and it’s the only remaining medieval building in the Central Square of Brussels.
It reminds me somewhat in stature of the Town Hall in Vienna (The Rathaus) , and both buildings are stunning.
Set Eyes on the Manneken Pis
“Manneken Pis,” it should first be stated is Dutch for “little pissing man,” and that pretty much sums up what the statue is all about.
Quite literally, it’s a statue of a little boy urinating into the fountain. I’ll be honest, I was really underwhelmed when I saw this, especially when I realized how small the statue actually was (just 24 inches).
But, the reason I added it to the list is because it’s arguably the best-known symbol of the city, and it’s less than a five minute walk from the Grand Place. The reason it’s a symbol of the city is because it apparently embodies the sense of humour of the people of Brussels and signifies that, even in 1618, when the statue was placed here, the city had a certain proud independence about it.
Even with just 1 day in Brussels, you might as well add it to your Brussels itinerary and decide for yourself whether it’s worth the hype, but I’d recommend keeping the meaning of the statue in mind, and not just the physical state of it.
Take a Short Detour to Atomium
Like the Mannekin Pis, this too has its share of haters, but whatever you think about it, it’s still the most popular tourist attraction in Brussels, and I’ve included it on the list because its entirely unique to this city.
It’s often called the “unavoidable icon of Brussels,” and I think that sums it up. The Atomium was constructed for the World Fair in Brussels which was held in the late 1950s, and it’s been somewhat contentious since its construction.
To me, it’s worth the short taxi or Uber ride to go there and experience it. It’s not just about the exterior, but rather going inside and taking a moment to visit the museum that’s inside the Atomium (the stairs up are also very photogenic). When you’ve finished checking out some of the exhibitions, you can head right on up to the top sphere to get a view of Brussels that you won’t get anywhere else.
You only need to budget an hour or two for this, and that’s why I think you can fit in a visit to this famed Brussels tourist attraction even if you’ve only go 24 hours in Brussels.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
The Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium is a stunning, 30-hectare urban park offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city as well as an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Belgium. In addition to the verdant gardens, there are several museums contained within the park to explore.
The Jubelpark features lush gardens, ponds, and a large monument, the Arc de Triomphe. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the gardens, or they can enjoy a picnic at one of the many outdoor tables. The gardens are filled with a variety of plants and trees from around the world and offer lovely views of the city skyline. The park also has a playground for children and a café.
The park’s Royal Army and Military History Museum, National Geographic Institute, and Art and History Museum offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Belgium. The Autoworld Museum is an impressive car museum containing more than 300 vintage cars. Visitors can explore the history of the automobile, as well as view some of the rarest cars in the world.
Overall, the Parc du Cinquantenaire offers visitors a variety of activities. Whether you’re interested in learning about Belgian history and culture, or just want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the park, there’s something for everyone at the Parc du Cinquantenaire.
Eat Mussels in Brussels
These were the mussels that I had at a restaurant called Chez Leon. It was a touch touristy, but the meal was still excellent.
Mussels are an absolute staple of Belgian cuisine, and I, for one, am grateful for it. Historically speaking, mussels were considered food for the poor in Belgium, but of course that’s changed over the years. Typically, mussels in Belgium are served in butter, with some wine or beer, plenty of garlic, and then leeks or similar thinly sliced vegetables.
Though, like wings in North America, I’ve seen them done about one hundred different ways.
On the side, you can expect freshly cut fries because, well, it’s Belgium. My personal recommendation would be to dip the fries into the mussel broth! The fries in Belgium are exceptional, by the way.
You’d be fine to simply find a restaurant on a side street that looked like it was packed with locals, but if you’re looking for a specific recommendation, then I’d recommend the following spots:
Le Chou de Bruxelles: Not right in the centre, but they prepare mussels 30 different ways, and are always in the talk for best mussels in Brussels.
Le Marmiton: It can be hard to get a spot at this memorable 2 story Belgian eatery, but if you can get a spot, then relish the chance to feast on some mussels. It’s located right in the centre of Brussels.
Le Zinneke: It’s also not too close to the centre, but they do Belgian food very, very well. In fact, last time I checked, they did mussels almost 70 different ways. Not too shabby!
Any Brussels day trip, or really any Brussels trip period, need to include some mussels. I literally wrote a whole post about mussels in Belgium back in the day.
Learn About Belgian Beer at the Cantillon Brewery
You can learn about Belgian beer by going and tasting it, of course, but the Cantillon Brewery is a nice spot to also get some history about a particularly unique Belgian style of beer. To my former point though, Bri and I spent ample time at the Delirium Café, and that’s a good bet if you’re looking to try some strong, unique Belgian beers.
I like the Cantillon Brewery, however, because it’s a family brewery that has made lambic beer for more than one hundred years, and they still use the same equipment as they did when they started. it’s also not quite as touristy as other spots, so you can really take a moment to get into the story behind the brewery here.
You may not love lambic beer, but it’s worth trying. Lambic beer, by the way, is different in that it’s fermented through exposure to particular yeast and bacteria native to the Zenne Valley, as opposed to brewer’s yeast.
Squeeze in a Quick Visit to Notre Dame du Sablon
I don’t hear a lot of people taking about Notre Dame du Sablon, but I can’t figure out why you wouldn’t try to take a few minutes to see it during your day in Brussels. It dominates Sablon Square, which is right in the centre of Brussels, and its been a landmark (first as a chapel) since the early 1400s.
It exemplifies the gothic style to the core, which I find to be incredibly photogenic.
If you can, I’d head inside to set sight on the statues and art, and take note of the powerful, high ceilings that are humbling to say the least. It’s a quick stop, but in my opinion, one that’s well worth it.
I should note that if you’re a huge fan of art, and you’ve got longer than 24 hours in Brussels, you absolutely need to include the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Particularly if you’re a fan of work from the Flemish school and Bruegel in particular, this could something that’s at the top of your Brussels itinerary, actually.
Try Some of That Famed Belgian Chocolate
Corné Port-Royal Brussels in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert (which is very pleasant, by the way)
Belgian chocolate, as any chocolate fan will know, is hard to beat. Personally, I’m not even really a person who loves sweets, but Bri and I still visited a number of chocolate shops in Brussels, and I’m happy we did.
For one, each chocolate shop tends to have a unique story and methodology, and they all smell downright divine. The chocolate that many of these places create is basically edible art, and you can tell that the chocolate makers take immense pride in their passion.
As with the hunt for mussels, you probably won’t go wrong no matter where you get your chocolate, but here are a few spots that you could poke your head into.
Corné Port-Royal Brussels: Plenty of choices, helpful staff, and no shortage of handmade chocolate.
Passion Chocolat: This would be my personal choice just because of how inventive they are. You literally won’t believe how creative this shop gets when it comes to chocolate.
Chocolaterie Mary: This spot prioritizes all natural ingredients, and it’s a little more expensive, but it’s clear that they’re only making the finest of the finest.
Visit Palais Royale
The Palais Royale in Brussels is an impressive 18th-century palace that is the official residence of the Belgian Royal Family. Located in the heart of Brussels, close to the city's iconic Grand Place, the palace is open to the public.
Visitors can take a tour of the impressive rooms and galleries, including the throne room and the King's garden. The palace also houses the Royal Library and Museum, which contains some of the finest works of art in Europe. There are also many restaurants and cafes nearby, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat and relax after a day of sightseeing.
This is one of those activities that you may not be able to squeeze in if you’ve just got 24 hours in Brussels or so, but perhaps you can just set eyes on it as opposed to taking a tour and strike a compromise.
Geek Out at the Belgium Comic Strip Center
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, the Belgian Comic Strip Center is an incredible place to visit for comic book fans and art lovers alike.
The center is dedicated to Belgian comic strips, featuring artwork and exhibits from some of the most popular and influential comic book artists in the world.
Visitors can explore the history of comic books, view rare artwork, and learn more about the creative process. The center also hosts workshops and events where attendees can learn more about the craft of comic book art and have the chance to meet some of their favourite artists.
It’s a great place to get your geek on!
Get Lost in the Centre of Brussels
When in doubt, just walk around and observe. Brussels is a very safe city that’s conducive to putting your planned itinerary aside and going and getting intentionally lost.
The centre of Brussels isn’t all that big, and seemingly all roads lead back to Grand Place, so it’s as good a city as any to wander around.
Quite honestly, that’s pretty much how I found almost all the spots listed above. You walk down an alleyway and you smell chocolate, and then you’re in a chocolate shop. You hear music and the clinking of glasses, and then you’re in a bar. You’re enamoured with exterior of a particular building, and then you go inside. Anyway, you get the point.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re all about visiting Brussels in one day, but know that it wouldn’t be a failure to show up, head to the Grand Place, and then spend your day getting lost on purpose.
That’s a Wrap on Your 1 Day in Brussels Itinerary!
There are, of course, other things that you could try to squeeze in there, but I think that the above Brussels itinerary would give you a chance to have a busy, varied day that would offer you many views of Belgium’s capital.
As with any travel, you can can pick and choose what speaks to you, and there really is no right or wrong. If you, for example, arrived at the Delirium Cafe early in the day and decided to park yourself there all day, I sure wouldn’t hold you at fault. Though, I would say that at least setting eyes on the marvellous Grand Place is a must.
As always, I hope this has been helpful, and wish you all the best on your upcoming journeys. Whether you’re reading this to do a little armchair travel, or actually planning a trip, I appreciate you stopping on by, and take a look below at some related posts, check out my section on Europe travel, or head to my homepage and take a look around.
Until next time, take care, my friend.