The Best 1 Day in Brussels Itinerary

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Last Updated on November 23, 2024 by sydabroad

Keep reading to find out how to spend 1 day in Brussels, Belgium!

Today we’re heading to Brussels, Belgium! Brussels is the capital of Belgium and is known for its culinary delights, culture, and mix of architectural styles. Brussels gets a bit of a bad wrap in the travel community. Many suggest it’s not worth visiting – to skip Brussels and head to smaller Belgian towns like Bruges –  and although yes, there are better European capital cities to visit, I do think spending 1 day in Brussels is well worth it.

You can find charm in any city you visit and Brussels is no exception. I loved trying the renowned waffles, Belgian chocolate, and fries. And the detail in the Grand Place is just beautiful – it is considered the most beautiful square in all of Europe. So that in itself is a reason to visit Brussels.

Belgium is also known for its comic book history which you can’t find in many other places around the world. Brussels has the famous Comic Strip Route which is a series of large murals throughout the city, celebrating the history of Belgian comic art. Nonetheless, you will have plenty to see during your 1 day in Brussels.

In this guide, I’m sharing what you need to know before you visit, and perfect itinerary on what to do in Brussels for one day, and a map with all the spots mentioned later in this guide. Whether you are spending a day or a weekend in Brussels, you’ll certainly get something out of this travel guide. Let’s get into it! 

Looking for more European travel guides?

• How to Spend 2 Days in Lucerne, Switzerland
•  3 Days in Dublin, Ireland Itinerary
• 19 of The Best Free Things to Do in Paris, France
• 2-Day Copenhagen, Denmark Itinerary

This post is all about how to spend 1 day in Brussels, Belgium.

One Day in Brussels | The Basics 

Currency = Euro

The currency in Belgium is the euro. (EUR)

1 USD = .91 Euro

Most places in Brussels will accept card payments. I do suggest having some cash on hand for purchases at local markets or for tipping a guide. Although, you can pretty much use your bank card all around Brussels. 

Language = French, Dutch, German

Belgium has three official languages which are Dutch (Flemish), French, and German. 

Dutch is spoken by the majority of the population. Specifically in the northern region of the country. Additionally, French is spoken primarily in the southern region of Belgium and  in Brussels. You’ll hear French pretty much everywhere in Brussels. German is spoken by a small percentage of people in the east near the German border.

Although Belgium has three languages, English is widely spoken – especially in Brussels. You won’t have an issue getting around with English, but I suggest trying at least a bit of French just to be polite. 

Phone & Internet 

I never ran into an issue while using the internet in Brussels. You’ll also find wifi just about everywhere – at all hotels, hostels, cafes, and restaurants.

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget 

Brussels is quite expensive. If you are a budget traveler, expect to spend about €50 to €70 per day. If you have more of a mid-range budget, expect to pay about €100 to €150 per day. 

To save money, I suggest staying in hostels, eating at casual spots or local markets, and making sure to take advantage of free and discounted museum days and free activities in the city such as the parks and the Comic Strip Route.

Tipping in Brussels 

Tipping in Brussels is not obligatory, in many places, you’ll notice that a service charge is already included in the bill. If you’re satisfied with the service, you can round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip. For guided tours, and especially free walking tours, it’s typical to leave a €5-10 tip. 

Can you drink the tap water? 

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Brussels. 

Some History on Brussels 

Brussels, now the capital city of Belgium, was founded as a small fortress town in the 10th century. Over time, Brussels evolved into an important trading hub known for its tapestry and textile production. Because of Brussels’s particular location, it made the city a focal point of European politics – and Brussels had seen many different rulers over the years. 

Finally, in 1830, Belgium gained independence and Brussels became the capital city. Throughout the 20th century, the city continued to evolve into a center for international diplomacy and Brussels became the headquarters of NATO the European Union.

How to spend the Perfect 1 Day in Brussels, Belgium 

The Grand Place | Grote Markt

This square is a must-visit in Brussels. It’s Europe’s prettiest square and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I was blown away when I saw this square, it’s truly an architectural masterpiece and so incredibly unique compared to any other square in Europe. 

Here, you’ll see the Town Hall’s beautiful guild halls, and Maison du Roi (Museum of the City of Brussels), there are often events or performers in the square. If you are here during the winter, the Christmas markets are magical. 

Pro tip: If you want to get your photos here with minimal people – you’ll need to visit early in the morning. The square will be packed in the afternoons and evenings. 

Manneken Pis

Next, head over to the Manneken Pis. This is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels and yes, it’s literally a statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. 

When I told people I was visiting Brussels, so many were like you have to see the pissing statue. This quirky statue was created in 1619 by sculptor, Hieronimus Duquesnoy. The statue is located at the corner of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat. 

It’s super close to the Grand Place, so visit Manneken Pis to take a photo and say that you saw it. 

Galeries Royales Saint-Huburt

After Manneken Pis, it’s time to wander through Galeries Royales Saint-Huburt. Again, this is just a short walk away from the Grand Place, making it convenient to visit. This is a beautiful and historic shopping center in Brussels. 

Whether you want to shop or not, you have to see this elegant place. It’s known for its stunning glass-paned roof and ornate arches and facades. Inside, you’ll find nice cafes, restaurants, luxury shops, and boutiques. There are also some wonderful Belgian chocolate shops here! 

Royal Palace of Brussels & Brussels Park 

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King and Queen. Currently, the visiting hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy the palace’s neoclassical architecture and gorgeous rooms such as the Mirror Room, Throne Room, and the Grande Galerie. 

Whether you choose to visit the inside of the palace or not, it’s well worth seeing the beautiful building from the outside. You can visit the Brussels Park as well.

Brussels Park is located right next to the Royal Palace and it is the largest urban park in central Brussels. It’s a massive park, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. There are often different concerts and events hosted in Brussels Park during the summer months so check to see if anything is happening during the time of your visit! 

Check out this Discover Brussels City Tour!

Try Belgian foods

Because you only have one day in Brussels – make sure to eat your way through the city! You can split up your Brussels food tour throughout your day but if you only have 1 day in Brussels, I suggest enjoying the Belgian classics during your day here. 

Maybe for breakfast opt for a Belgian waffle (Maison Dandoy is so good but you really can’t go wrong with anywhere you choose). 

For lunch go for the classic moules-frites, which is mussels and fries – one of Belgium’s signature dishes. Have it with a Belgian beer – or save the beer for happy hour! And don’t forget to pick up Belgian chocolates for dessert! They also make a great gift to take home. 

If you want something different, check out Wolf, a food market with cuisines from all around the world. 

Looking for something unique to do in Brussels? Book this Belgian chocolate making workshop!

Comic Strip Walk

Something unique you can do in Brussels is learn all about the history of Belgian comics and follow the Comic Strip Route in the city. This is a stretch of comic book murals throughout Brussels. Did you know that Brussels is the birthplace of the Smurfs?

There are over 50 murals scattered throughout the city center and you can explore this route by walking or cycling. You can find a map of the different routes here.

Optional: The Atomium 

The Atomium is located a bit outside of the city center in the Laeken district but you can easily take public transportation to reach it. The Atomium in Brussels is a striking landmark that was constructed for the 1958 World Expo. It’s designed to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. 

This structure was designed by the engineer, André Waterkeyn and consists of 9 interconnected spheres by tubes, which have escalators and stairs for visitors to move between levels. At the top sphere, you’ll see an observation deck with panoramic views of Brussels and the surrounding area.

Purchase tickets to the Atomium here.

Visit a Museum 

There are all sorts of museums to visit in Brussels. This is a great activity for a rainy day or if you want to escape the heat. Many museums offer free entry days or discounted tickets some days of the week. Here are a few different museums to visit: 

Belgian Comic Strip Museum | This is a museum dedicated to the history and art of comic strips.

MIMA (Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art) | Here you’ll find contemporary art showcasing street art, pop culture, and digital art. 

Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium | Here you can enjoy an extensive range of artwork from the Old Masters to modern art. 

Horta Museum | This museum showcases the work and unique architectural style of Victor Horta. This was his former home and studio.  

Natural Science Museum | If you’re looking to see dinosaurs and fossils check out the Natural Science Museum. You’ll learn all about the natural history of Belgium along with other parts of the world. 

Margritte Museum | This museum is dedicated to the works of René Margritte – a surrealist artist. You’ll find everything from paintings and drawings to photographs. 

Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) | Housed in a gorgeous Art Nouveau building, at MIM you can see a large collection of musical instruments from around the world.

Le Mont des Arts 

Something you can’t miss during your 1 day in Brussels is watching the sunset from Le Mont des Arts. Le Mont des Arts or “Hill of the Arts” is an urban complex and historic district in central Brussels. It’s a stunning area for you to see panoramic views of Brussels. 

This is the perfect place to enjoy an evening in Brussels watching the sunset. There are a few restaurants up top for you to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with the view. 

This area was developed in the early 20th century to bridge the gap between the Lower Town and the Upper Town of Brussels. Near the square, there are several cultural institutions including, the Royal Library of Belgium, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the BELvue Museum. 

Looking to enjoy Brussel’s nightlife? I recommend joining a pub crawl! This is a great way to get to experience the nightlife in Brussels and make new friends as well. Check availability here.

1 day in Brussels Map

Brussels Itinerary FAQs 

Is it worth visiting Brussels for a day? 

Yes, Brussels is well worth a visit. You can even visit on a day trip from another country! The city is rich in culture, historic landmarks, and beautiful architecture. And you’ll love trying all the culinary delights such as Brussels waffles, Belgium chocolate, Belgian beer, and moules-frites

Can I visit Brussels on a day trip from another city? 

Yes, you can visit Brussels for a day from Paris or Amsterdam. If you are trying to squeeze in as many European cities as you can during your holiday, taking a day trip to Brussels is a great option. 

Best time to visit Brussels 

You can’t go wrong with visiting Brussels during any time of the year, but I will say, the summer months are busy. I always suggest visiting during shoulder season, this way you’ll deal with fewer crowds yet still have nice warm weather. 

March through May and September through November are the best times to visit Brussels. I visited in mid-September and it was lovely. There were not too many tourists and the weather was nice. It was warm during the day but cool in the mornings and evenings. 

The weather in Brussels

It’s warm during the summer months and quite cold during the winter so make sure you check the weather and pack accordingly. Spring can be unpredictable with occasional rain and summers are warm and this means it’s also the most popular time for tourists to visit. 

Fall is quite cool and sometimes rainy and winters are cold however, it doesn’t freeze often. I’d make sure to pack layers and don’t worry if you forget some things, you can also find anything you forgot to pack in Brussels – there are plenty of great shops. 

How to get around Brussels?

If you are close to the city center you can walk just about everywhere. It’s one of the most walkable cities in the world. 

Like all European cities, Brussels does have a great network of public transportation. You can use contactless payment and simply tap your bank card on public transport making it easy to get from place to place. There are buses, trams, and metros, and you can even rent bikes to get around. Uber is also available in Brussels.

From The Airport to/from The City Center

Brussels Airport (BRU): This is Brussel’s main airport and is just 12 km from central Brussels. To reach the center, you can take the airport train to reach the city in 20 minutes. Tickets cost anywhere from €9 to €16 and the airport train station is located below the terminal.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL): This is an international airport located in Gosselies, it’s about 46 km south of the center of Brussels. If you are on a budget airline, you’ll likely be flying out of CRL. There is a shuttle bus service that connects Charleroi Airport and Brussels, leaving every 30 minutes. In the city, the bus will drop you off at Bruxelles-Midi – a central train station. And from there, you can reach any other station in the city. A one-way journey costs €17 and you can purchase from the driver or online.

Where to stay in Brussels 

Meininger Brussels City Center | I stayed here and it was great. Brussels can be quite expensive so if you are on a budget, I suggest this hotel/hostel. They have basic hotel rooms and hostel rooms as well. It was within walking distance of the Grand Place and many other historic sites. Check rates here. 

Hygge Hotel | A nice boutique hotel downtown. Check rates here. 

Made in Louise | Another beautiful boutique hotel in Brussels. Check rates here. 

Is Brussels safe?  

Yes, Brussels is a generally safe city. Stay in the central area and be cautious of petty crime and tourist scams such as pickpockets and overpriced taxis. My trip to Brussels was solo and I felt completely safe. I stayed near the downtown area and didn’t venture out at night. 

I hope you enjoyed this 1 day in Brussels itinerary! If you have any questions about visiting Belgium, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram. 

Recommended tours in Brussels

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