How to spend 24 hours in Brussels, Belgium

The stunning capital of Belgium is Brussels. Moreover, it is the birthplace of chocolate, fries, beer, waffles, and comic books.

It’s magical to be in the city while you’re walking. The Grand-Place plaza is impressive, and string lights swing over the cobblestone streets. Brussels is frequently disregarded by tourists. Yet, when you explore this European city, you’ll discover just how simple it is to savor all of its undiscovered charms in terms of food, history, and, of course, waffles.

Brussels is a relatively small city, so it’s possible to see it all of it in one day. Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Brussels, Belgium.

• How to reach Brussels?
• Where to stay in Brussels?
• Where to eat in Brussels?
• What to do in Brussels in 24 hours?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

How to reach Brussels?

If you are already in Europe, travelling by train to Brussels is simple. Otherwise, Brussels Airport or Brussels South Charleroi Airport are the two closest airports.

The journey into the city centre from Brussels Airport takes thirty minutes by car or fifteen minutes by metro.
You can take a scheduled shuttle bus from South Charleroi that will take you directly to the railway station in the city centre and will only take a little over an hour. Several bus and subway options are available as well for transportation from the airport to the city centre.

Where to stay in Brussels?

Brussels has a wide selection of lodging options, from luxurious hotels like Hôtel le Dixseptième to small inns like 2GO4 Quality Hostel. In one of the numerous smaller guesthouses, independent hostels, or whatever “sleeping style” you want, close enough to all the major attractions, you can get a decent night’s rest if you wander around a bit in Brussels.

 

AirBnb: There are several Airbnbs available for rent all across the city. If you’re travelling in a group or want a peaceful setting, Airbnb is a terrific choice. The majority of the time, hosts will provide you with helpful advice and directions for your time in the city.

Meininger Hostel: This affordable choice is located in a beautiful area. The city centre is a short stroll away, and the hostel provides a variety of room types, from communal mixed-gender dorms to private rooms. If you’re travelling alone, it features a welcoming staff, excellent cleanliness, and plenty of options for socialising.

Hotel: When visiting Brussels, the Novotel is a cosy place to stay that is well-suited for families and has a straightforward style. Although there are other Novotel hotels in Brussels, I favour the one in the City Center.

Where to eat in Brussels?

The four main food groups of Brussels are: beer, chocolate, waffles, and french fries. These treats may be found all throughout the city, but these are some of the best.

Peck 47: A quaint café with delectable sweet and savoury brunch selections. The delicious waffles and piping-hot lattes at Peck 47 are its best-known specialties.

Café Delirium: If you’re looking for a location to go out on the town, Café Delirium is the spot. There are more than three thousand beers available at this multi-level, multi-building tavern. An incredible feat!

Fries: You must eat frites while visiting Belgium! The stands on the streets are the greatest places to find them. There are plenty of them, and any of them will work.

Chocolate: What comes to mind when you think of Belgium? Chocolate! In Brussels, there is a chocolate shop on every corner. Any of the shops is a good choice, but there are some that I like the best.

• Maison Dandoy: Speculoos is a type of cinnamon gingerbread cookie, and it is also a lesser known Belgian delicacy. The best of these come from the bakery Maison Dandoy. You can also have some delicious, famous traditional waffles here!
• Glacier Pascalino: Belgian waffles are the real deal. The typical way to eat them is plain, but if you want to dress them up, there are several topping options. The greatest waffles in Brussels may be found at Glacier Pascalino, a small yellow truck that roams the city. Any of the stands located throughout the city are a wonderful alternative if you are unable to catch the truck.
• Le Funambule Waffles: Waffle shops may be found all across Brussels, but the greatest ones are on Rue de l’Etuve, next to Manneken Pis. Try the waffles at Le Funambule Waffles, this modest eatery has been around since 1867 and has the best waffles I’ve ever had.

What to do in Brussels?

I took a bus from Den Haag (The Hague, Netherlands) to Brussels and spent 24 hours in the city! Here is what my itinerary looked like:

Morning

After having breakfast, spend the morning exploring Brussels’ outer neighbourhoods. Use the Brussels Metro’s A1 line to travel to the Haysel/Heizal station. The enormous building known as Atomium can be found here. An iron crystal molecule’s unit cell is represented by this enormous structure. Its size exceeds that of the actual thing by 165 billion (yes, with a “B”) times. You’ll feel like an atom standing underneath these enormous spheres. Atomium was designed as a temporary structure for Expo’58 in Brussels, but its popularity allowed it to survive (similar to Eiffel Tower). Climb up to one of its spheres for a spectacular view that, in clear weather, extends as far as Antwerp.

Next to Atomium you will find Mini-Europe Park. At a scale of 1:25, this “European reproduction” includes small versions of well-known European landmarks. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Big Ben, the Parthenon, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Brandenburg Gate are just a few examples of structures.

If staying in the city centre is more your style, spend the morning exploring nearby attractions like Treurenberg Hill’s Saint Michael and Gudula Church. The patron saints of Brussels are St. Michael and Gudula, making this church the most revered in the city. The cathedral has a fascinating past that goes all the way back to 1047. Although it was refurbished in the 13th century to reflect its current Gothic design, you can still see some of the original mediaeval building’s remnants if you descend to the basement.

After admiring magnificent church, proceed to Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels Park). The entire length of Rue Royale may be traversed on foot, or you can explore this urban park’s many walkways, water features, and recreation areas. The magnificent Royal Palace of Brussels may be seen at the end of the park’s main walkway as you stroll along it. From July to September, there is no charge to enter the palace. The interior’s beauty significantly elevates what a palace is.

Lunch: Enjoy the authentic cuisine of Belgium: chocolate. Visit Wittamer at the Palace du Grand Sablon. This chocolatier has a café on the premises and it tastes good.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a ten minute walk along the Cellebroersstraat to reach Manneken Pis. This well-known symbol of Brussels depicts a little child responding to nature’s call in an expression of irreverent comedy. Even more intriguing is his wardrobe, which includes almost 700 outfits. He occasionally wears clothing in honour of a holiday or special event.

The original Manneken Pis stone statue, which is three times larger than the bronze statue currently on display in the street, is located in the Broodhuis (Breadhouse, also known as King’s House), which is visible if you walk along Rue de l’Etuve towards the Grote Markt (Grand Place). You will be surprised by how small this statue is. The Manneken’s “closet” is also on show here. Who would have imagined that a young child urinating would come to represent Brussels?

Since you are at the Grote Markt, you must have noticed the distinctive beauty and architectural detail of this square and the nearby buildings. You get the impression that you are entering a place that has been preserved in time when you enter the Grote Markt through one of its modest lanes.

The 12th century is when the Grote Markt first appeared. All of the old structures—all but the Town Hall—were destroyed by French King Louis XIV’s bombing of the region in 1695. The mayor of Brussels currently resides in this structure, which is only accessible through guided tours. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will undoubtedly find something to do or see. Every weekend, there are free performances, and every two years, in the month of August, a floral carpet covers the entire plaza.

Feel free to explore the lanes that encircle the square to discover a variety of interesting items, including hundreds (yes, hundreds) of chocolate shops, intriguing Art Nouveau buildings, small, local shops, art galleries, museums, and Belgian beer shops.

Dinner: Your hunger will increase from all the walking. Go to Rue de Bouchers instead of the pricey pubs and eateries near Grote Markt. There are many affordable tiny seafood restaurants on this street. Alternately, explore nearby streets and alleys to discover tucked-away cafes and restaurants. The Belgian fries are wonderful; give them a try!

Night

After taking a break to relax your sore feet, you can choose between a passive cultural night and an energetic party scene, depending on your preferences. The opera is performed in magnificent neoclassical theatre in La Monnaie, where you may unwind after a long day. You never know what might occur here—the Belgian War of Independence of 1830 broke out during a performance here.

A La Mort Subite is the place to go if you want an exciting and social night (A Sudden Death). This beloved establishment in Brussels offers its own brand of beer in an age-old atmosphere. Visit Louise Gallery, another well-known nightclub, or Discotheek Fuse, one of the most well-known nightclubs in Europe, for the party scene.

The beautiful Belgian Capital

Personally, I felt like there is so much to explore in Brussels and Belgium. 24 hours are honestly not enough, so if you aren’t on a schedule and have time to spare, explore Belgium beyond it’s famous tourist spots and you will find some amazing places to see and things to do! Brussels is truly a beautiful city overflowing with culture and history. It is the ideal vacation spot and offers activities for everyone. A visit to Brussels will undoubtedly be one for the books!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you see Brussels in one day?

Brussels is a small city that can be easily explored on foot. Hence, spending only one day in Brussels will be sufficient to see the main attractions, taste some of the country’s delectable cuisine, and, of course, drink some Belgian beer.

2. Is Brussels a walkable city?

The principal tourist attractions can be reached on foot, albeit some involve a strenuous ascent. The city centre is quite small and may be easily explored on foot, especially now that the majority of its streets have been converted to be pedestrian-only.

3. What is Brussels famous for?

In addition to its historical and architectural treasures, which some of them have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Brussels is widely recognized for its cuisine and gourmet offerings, which include the local waffle, chocolate, French fries, and a wide variety of beers.

4. What food is Belgium famous for?

Belgian waffles, fries, chocolates, and beer are well-known worldwide. Waffles are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Savor the Belgian beer with the crunchy fries.

5. Is it better to visit Bruges or Brussels?

In general, if you are looking for a bustling, large city to explore should consider Brussels. On the other side, people looking for a quaint and little town to visit will love Bruges. Even though the two cities appear to be close to one another from a distance, you could only have time to visit one of them, leaving you stuck trying to make a decision.