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Brussels in 48 hours: The ultimate guide

Brussels in 48 hours: The ultimate guide
Galleries Saint-Hubert and Gaufre de Dandoy (c) Pierre Halleux

Updated July 26, 2024 by Pierre

Brussels in a day? It's possible, but you might only see a glimpse of everything this city has to offer. For a more complete immersion in the Belgian capital, two days are ideal. Between history, culture, gastronomy and Shopping, Brussels will seduce you. Discover our itinerary for a perfect weekend in the city

Ready to explore the cobbled streets of the historic center, taste mussels and fries in a typical brasserie and admire the Art Nouveau architecture? Follow the leader !

Day 1: The historic heart and hidden treasures

Ready to explore the Belgian capital? Today, we focus on the historic center and its hidden treasures🏴‍☠️. Hang up your sneakers and follow the guide👟!

Start in the morning with the famous Grand-Place

Grand Place of Brussels (c) Pierre Halleux
Grand Place of Brussels (c) Pierre Halleux

Start your day with the unmissable Grand-Place. This magnificent square, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by historic guilds and the Town Hall. It’s the beating heart of Brussels! If you visit Brussels in love, the place is unmissable.

Links to complete your visit:

Continue with the mythicals Royal Galleries Saint-Hubert

After admiring the Grand-Place, stroll through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert️. These covered galleries, built in the 19th century, are home to numerous luxury boutiques, renowned chocolatiers and cozy cafés. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a Belgian waffle. The place is also ideal if it rains during your weekend or city trip!

Links to complete your visit:

    Take your lunch break near the Sablon: le Parroquet

    During our trip, we had our lunch at The Parrot (💡we tested it here). A typical Brussels lunch: Pita with Belgian sauces. This traditional restaurant offers you a generous menu with a quick, good and inexpensive lunch. The setting is typical/mythical. This place is therefore perfect for visiting Brussels, with family, lovers or even alone.

      An early medieval afternoon: Rue de la Cigogne

      After lunch, set off to explore Rue de la Cigogne, a small cobbled alley full of charm. It's a perfect place to get lost and enjoy some quiet time. This street is one of the best streets for taking selfies in Brussels.

      Links to complete your visit:

      Direction towards the grandiose places: Palaise de Justice and Sablon

      • The Sablon and the Palais de Justice: Continue your exploration by heading to Sablon️, an elegant neighborhood known for its antique shops and design boutiques. Then admire the imposing Palace of Justice, a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture.
      • Avenue Louise: Fashionistas will enjoy a stroll on Avenue Louise️, one of the chicest shopping streets in Brussels. You will find all the major luxury brands there.
      • Comics route: If you are older teenagers, or with children, in good weather, this course will make them happy. It's free.

        Some useful links to complete your visit:

        A Belgian dinner

        Choose one of the city's many Belgian brasseries to taste a Flemish stew or a waterzooi. For example,

        End your first day evening with a Aperol on Place Flagey, a very lively place where you can enjoy the Brussels atmosphere.

        Feel free to personalize this itinerary according to your desires! You can add museums, parks or other activities that interest you.

        And there you have it, you are ready to explore Brussels!

          Futurism and relaxation in Brussels

          For Day 2, we focus on the more modern side of the city, with the Heizel Park and its attractions.

          Today, we leave the historic center to explore another side of Brussels: that of modernity and relaxation.

          • Morning:
            • Heizel Park and Atomium: Start your day with a visit to the Heizel Park and its emblematic Atomium. This futuristic monument, built for Expo 58, offers a panoramic view of the city. You can also visit the temporary exhibitions and enjoy the activities offered on site.
            • Mini-Europe: Reduce distances by visiting Europe's most beautiful monuments in miniature at Mini-Europe. It’s a fun activity that will appeal to young and old alike.
          • Afternoon :
            • Japanese Tower: For an original experience, visit the Japanese Tower. This TV tower offers stunning views of the city and houses temporary exhibitions.
            • Brussels Botanical Garden: If you prefer a moment of relaxation, go to the Botanical Garden of Brussels. This haven of peace is home to a wide variety of plants and trees.
          • Evening:
            • Marolles district: End your day with a stroll in the Marolles district. This popular district is known for its flea markets, flea markets and its numerous beer bars.

          Some useful links to complete your visit:

          And there you have it, you now have a complete overview of what Brussels can offer you in two days. A weekend goes by quickly in Brussels. Depending on your speed, this route may be too long. Choose the activities you prefer.

          Do not hesitate to adapt this itinerary according to your desires and interests. For example, you can replace the visit to the Japanese Tower with a visit to the Magritte Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts.

          Enjoy your stay in Brussels!